Islam Makhachev achieved his ambition of becoming a two-division champion on October 21, 2023, by dominating Jack Della Maddalena in a five-round battle at UFC 322, held at Madison Square Garden in New York. Makhachev won the welterweight championship with a unanimous decision, further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite competitors.
The victory marked Makhachev’s 16th consecutive win, tying him with former champion Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in UFC history. His remarkable performance included an impressive 19 minutes, 10 seconds of control time against Della Maddalena, showcasing his grappling prowess throughout the fight.
“This is the dream,” Makhachev said after the match. “All my life I’ve fought for this. I worked hard for this moment.”
Della Maddalena, who entered the fight with an 18-3 record and had not lost since his first two professional bouts, struggled against Makhachev’s relentless pressure. Makhachev secured every takedown he attempted, effectively pinning the Australian fighter to the canvas for significant portions of the match.
“My life has changed,” Makhachev noted regarding his transition to welterweight from lightweight. “I didn’t have to cut weight. I can do what I want. It made this night easy.”
Indeed, Makhachev controlled nearly every aspect of the bout, outstriking Della Maddalena by a staggering 123-32. His strategy included a series of calf kicks that visibly hampered his opponent’s mobility. By the third round, Della Maddalena appeared resigned to the outcome but managed to avoid a finish, demonstrating his resilience.
“This was my plan, and it’s not a secret,” Makhachev explained. “All of my opponents know this, but nobody can stop it.”
With this victory, Makhachev not only cemented his legacy as one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history, but he also embarks on a new challenge within an incredibly competitive welterweight division. Following his triumph, Makhachev expressed his ambitions for the future, hinting at a significant event in the UFC’s calendar.
“Open the White House,” he declared, referring to the UFC’s major event targeted for 2026. “I am coming.”
As Makhachev prepares for his next challenge, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he navigates the dynamic landscape of the welterweight division.
