Islam Makhachev Beats Jack Della Maddalena By UD to Win Historic Title at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev won the UFC Welterweight Championship with a unanimously-decided victory over Jack Della Maddalena, in the main UFC 322 event. Makhachev quickly took control of the fight. After a few strikes, he managed to secure a takedown before smothering the champion. Makhachev appeared to be in a choke early on, but Della Maddalena escaped. Della Maddalena did not make any adjustments in the second bout. Makhachev again brought him down and the only highlight of the fight for JDM was a failed armbar. In the third round, the Australian had a few moments of exchanges. Makhachev flipped the whole round with a simple double leg. Della Maddalena could not get back up.  Makhachev’s attempt to lock multiple submissions felt like mercy, given the apparent pain and dominance of Della Maddalena. It was evident that Makhachev had put on another impressive performance. Makhachev continues to dominate the UFC at the moment. Makhachev’s position at No. 2 will give voters something to consider. Ilia Topuria is No.2 on the list of pound for pound and Makhachev is No. 1. Dagestani fighter is now part of a select group of fighters to have won titles across two weight classes. The 34-year old is coming off of a four-consecutive title defences at lightweight, a record in that weight class. He plans to continue his habit of defending his belt against all opponents in his new class. In the weeks leading up to his bout, he said to media: “I don’t just want to be champion. I want to do more.” “Second Belt, defend, perhaps more than Kamaru Usman, and become (part of the) Hall of Fame.”Makhachev is likely to achieve his goal of becoming a Hall of Famer by defeating the fighter he mentioned. Kamaru Usman’s 38-year-old body may be running out of time after a win against Joaquin Buckley. Usman’s win might not be enough to secure him the fight, but there are other contenders. Shavkat Rakhmonov remains undefeated while Michael Morales, Carlos Prates and others have won on the card. Makhachev is not likely to be the favorite at this stage.
2025-11-16 06:01:28