UFC 322 delivered a historic moment as Islam Makhachev claimed his second UFC championship with a commanding unanimous-decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena. The event, held at Madison Square Garden, showcased the Dagestani star at his absolute best as he neutralized the Australian champion over five tactical rounds.
Makhachev’s Dominance from the Opening Bell
From Round 1 onward, Makhachev imposed his trademark pressure with leg kicks, level-change threats, and seamless transitions from striking to grappling. Della Maddalena attempted to maintain distance, but Makhachev quickly forced the fight into his world.
According to CBS Sports’ live coverage, Makhachev locked in multiple takedowns and secured dominant positions, including back control, half-guard, and tight body-lock sequences. His ground control time surpassed 18 total minutes, illustrating just how little freedom Della Maddalena had to operate.
Scorecards Tell the Story
All three judges scored the fight 50-45, reflecting Makhachev’s clean sweep.
The Australian never found meaningful momentum, with his striking output stifled under Makhachev’s pressure. Even when Della Maddalena briefly rallied in Round 3 with a strong combination, Makhachev immediately shut it down with another decisive takedown.
Historic Achievement: Two-Division Champion
With this victory, Islam Makhachev becomes:
- The 11th fighter in UFC history to win titles in two different weight classes
- The owner of a 16-fight UFC win streak, tying Anderson Silva’s legendary record
- The newest contender in the debate for pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet
Post-Fight Reactions
Makhachev’s confidence radiated after the fight. He stated:
“This is the dream all my life. I worked hard for this moment.”
“I swear to God, my life has changed… No cut weight, and I can do whatever I want over five rounds.”
“This was my plan, it was not secret… All my opponents know this, and nobody can stop this.”
These statements reflect both his strategic confidence and his comfort competing at welterweight, where he no longer endures a harsh weight cut.
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Where Della Maddalena Goes From Here
For Jack Della Maddalena, this loss marks a rare setback. Coming in with an impressive winning streak, he could not solve Makhachev’s grappling pressure.
Despite the defeat, he remains a top contender and could bounce back quickly with matchups against fellow top-five welterweights.
What’s Next for Islam Makhachev?
The welterweight division now has a new king, and several questions emerge:
- Will Makhachev defend his new 170-lb title?
- Will he return to lightweight and chase a third fight with Oliveira or a new challenger?
- Could he attempt the rare pursuit of three UFC belts?
Regardless of the path he chooses, UFC 322 showed that Makhachev’s skill set translates perfectly across divisions.
Conclusion
Islam Makhachev’s dominant performance at UFC 322 will be remembered as one of the clearest examples of championship-level control inside the Octagon. By shutting down Jack Della Maddalena and capturing a second UFC title, he has further solidified his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of this era.
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