Islam Makhachev Defeats Jack Della Maddalena by Unanimous Decision to Win Welterweight Title

Madison Square Garden witnessed a masterclass in grappling Saturday night, November 15, 2025, as Islam Makhachev dismantled welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena to claim the vacant title via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) at UFC 322. The former lightweight king (now 27-1) extended his UFC win streak to 14 and tied Anderson Silva's record of 16 consecutive victories, becoming a two-division champion in the process. Della Maddalena (18-3), the 29-year-old Australian phenom, entered as the favorite in his first defense but couldn't solve Makhachev's suffocating pressure, landing just 42 significant strikes to the Russian's 78 while spending over 22 minutes on his back.

Makhachev, 34, vacated his lightweight belt earlier this year to chase gold at 170 pounds, and he made quick work of the division's top striker. "This is the dream," he said post-fight, hoisting both belts. "Nobody can stop it." The Dagestani's path to victory was methodical: feints drawing counters, followed by chain wrestling that neutralized Della Maddalena's knockout power (SLpM 5.2). Despite a grueling camp that left him with a black eye from sparring, Makhachev barely broke a sweat, landing 12 of 15 takedowns and controlling 22:36 of the fight.

Makhachev's Blueprint for Victory

The bout unfolded like a clinic. Round 1 saw Makhachev pressure with jabs, drawing Della Maddalena's power shots before chaining into a double-leg for 3:12 of control. The Aussie rallied with 12 significant strikes but ate a near-knockout hook-head kick combo reminiscent of Makhachev's Volkanovski finish. Rounds 2-4 followed suit: Makhachev's 92% takedown accuracy overwhelmed Della Maddalena's evolving grappling defense, with the champ landing zero takedowns himself.

In Round 5, Della Maddalena pushed forward with volume (18 strikes landed), but a late slam sealed the sweep. Per UFC Stats, Makhachev outstruck his foe 78-42 in significant strikes and dominated grappling (12/15 TDs vs 0/1). "Toughest camp of my life," Makhachev admitted, crediting Khabib Nurmagomedov for the prep.

Makhachev's Rise: Two Belts, Endless Dominance

At 34, Makhachev cements P4P #1 status. His 14-0 UFC run includes 10 title wins, and this welterweight conquest—despite a 6-inch height disadvantage—shows evolution beyond lightweight. "Send location," he teased Leon Edwards post-fight, eyeing a superfight at UFC 323 (Dec 2025). With 92% takedown defense and elite chain wrestling, Makhachev's blueprint remains unsolved.

Della Maddalena's first defense ends in defeat, but his 16-fight streak (pre-loss) and striking prowess keep him in contender talks. "I need to evolve," he said, hinting at a rematch path.

UFC 322's co-main saw Valentina Shevchenko retain flyweight gold vs Zhang Weili (UD 49-46 x3), avenging her 2023 loss with superior Muay Thai. Undercard standouts: Arman Tsarukyan submitted Dan Hooker (R2 arm-triangle), and Bo Nickal TKO'd Cody Brundage (R1).

Makhachev's Empire Expands

UFC 322 was Makhachev's coronation—a wrestling symphony that humbled Della Maddalena and redefined welterweight. The Dagestani's reign rolls on, but at what point does the UFC book the superfight? One thing's clear: Nobody's stopping him yet.

Who's next for Makhachev—Edwards or Usman? Sound off below!

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