Islam Makhachev made history at UFC 322 after completely dominating Jack Della Maddalena to win the welterweight title and become the 11th two division champion in UFC history. From the opening exchange until the final horn, Makhachev controlled every moment of the fight. He mixed heavy calf kicks with relentless wrestling and a suffocating top game that left no room for the Australian champion to breathe.
All three judges scored the bout 50 45. Makhachev is now the second fighter to capture UFC gold at both lightweight and welterweight, joining B.J. Penn in that rare accomplishment.
“This is a dream,” Makhachev said as coach Khabib Nurmagomedov placed both belts on his shoulders. “All of my work for these two belts. My life has changed. No cut weight, five rounds non stop. I can wrestle. I can do whatever I want. This is my plan and nobody can stop it.”
Della Maddalena left the octagon immediately after the fight without giving an interview, clearly frustrated after losing the belt in his first title defense. He had no answer for the Dagestani champion. Early in round one, Makhachev grabbed a leg, tripped him to the ground and never let him off the hook. From that moment forward, the pattern was set.
Makhachev poured pressure from top position and even threatened a D’Arce choke before the round ended. In round two, Della Maddalena landed a clean punch but Makhachev instantly closed the distance, clinched, and put him right back on the canvas. Short punches, elbows and constant control kept the champion pinned down.
Even on the feet, Makhachev continued to damage Della Maddalena with punishing calf kicks that slowed his movement. The Australian had a few moments where he fired combinations to the head and body, but every time he opened up, Makhachev changed levels and scored another takedown.
In the later rounds Della Maddalena tried to scramble free but the escapes came too late. Makhachev repeatedly secured the back, looked for chokes and maintained dominant control. The final round began with another takedown and ended the same way the entire fight played out with Makhachev in full command.
Makhachev celebrated with his team after becoming the new welterweight champion. A long list of contenders now wait for him including Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, former champion Kamaru Usman, undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov and the winner of Ian Machado Garry versus Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar.
Makhachev already knows where he wants his first title defense.
“Donald Trump let’s go,” Makhachev shouted. “Open the White House, I am coming.”
#AD 💳🔥
Get your RedotPay prepaid crypto card instantly. It works on more than 90 percent of websites and apps including gaming and streaming platforms. No purchase fees. Safe, fast and trusted by over one million users with a 4.7 rating on Google Play.
Enjoy 5 dollars back on your first card purchase and explore extra offers in the Benefits tab.
Use my referral code: exqfj
Referral link: https://url.hk/i/en/exqfj 🚀