Islam Makhachev etched his name into the history books on Saturday night, defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to become a two-division UFC champion.
The Russian executed a seamless move to welterweight, dragging Della Maddalena into deep waters from the opening bell at Madison Square Garden.
The Australian had no answer to the relentless wrestling clinic Makhachev delivered and, five rounds later, the Russian secured a unanimous decision victory.
As Makhachev climbed atop the octagon and raised his two belts, his doubters fell silent. Those who questioned his jump in weight could only watch as he joined the UFC’s elite group of double champions.
From the outset, Makhachev displayed the immense grappling skills which fans have become accustomed to seeing him put into practice inside the octagon.
In contrast, Maddalena had no answer to the precision, timing and volume of Makhachev’s takedowns – and looked visibly frustrated as the rounds went on.
There were brief moments when it seemed Della Maddalena might turn the tide, but he ultimately failed to capitalize on the openings Makhachev left him.
For Makhachev, the night couldn’t have gone better. He arrived in New York determined to join the elite group of two-division champions, and he achieved it with the technical precision that has defined his career.
His strategy was visibly focused on nullifying the champion’s striking advantages, using relentless pressure and timing to close the distance inside the cage.
The win stands as the most significant achievement of his career, validating his move up in weight and cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Not only did he carve his name deeper into the history books but he also proved that his skill set – sharpened under the tutelage of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov – is truly division-proof.
By conquering the naturally larger welterweight champion, Makhachev sends a chilling message to both the 155-pound and 170-pound divisions.
The welterweight picture, in particular, has been shaken up. Three main-card bouts featured division contenders and each added a new wrinkle to the title landscape.
Former champion Leon Edwards was brutally knocked out by Carlos Prates, and Michael Morales delivered the same fate to Sean Brady moments later.
On top of that, Ian Garry and Belal Muhammad are set to clash next weekend, with the winner likely earning a shot at Makhachev’s newly-claimed crown.
While Makhachev must wait to see how the contender race unfolds, he made one thing clear. He already knows when he wants to return.
In his post-fight interview, he called for a spot on the highly coveted White House card scheduled for next summer on the South Lawn. And it could happen.
In the press conference after the event, Dana White admitted that Makhachev could feature on the card – as he insisted the Russian is beginning to enter ‘GOAT’ talks.
With this victory, Makhachev becomes just the 11th two-division champion in UFC history, following in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, Ilia Topuria and other legends.
