Islam Makhachev achieved his ambition of becoming a two-division champion on October 21, 2023, by decisively defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. The event took place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, where Makhachev dominated the welterweight championship bout, securing a unanimous decision victory after five rounds.
Makhachev, boasting a record of 28 wins and 1 loss, matched the record for the longest winning streak in UFC history with his 16th consecutive victory. This remarkable achievement ties him with the legendary Anderson Silva, further solidifying Makhachev’s place in UFC history. Throughout the fight, he exhibited exceptional control, accumulating a total of 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control time against Della Maddalena.
“This is the dream,” Makhachev expressed after the fight. “All my life I’ve fought for this. I worked hard for this moment.” His performance against Della Maddalena was a testament to his preparation and skill, as he executed every takedown he attempted and maintained an overwhelming presence throughout the match.
Jack Della Maddalena, now at 18 wins and 3 losses, entered the bout with an impressive record but struggled to find his footing against Makhachev. Having not lost since his initial two professional fights, he faced a formidable opponent in Makhachev, who outstruck him significantly, landing 123 strikes compared to Della Maddalena’s 32. Makhachev’s effective use of calf kicks also played a crucial role, ultimately limiting the Australian fighter’s mobility.
“My life has changed,” Makhachev noted regarding his transition to the welterweight division. “I didn’t have to cut weight. I can do what I want. It made this night easy.” The fight was characterized by Makhachev’s strategic dominance, as he controlled every aspect and dictated the pace.
By the third round, Della Maddalena seemed resigned to his fate, although he displayed resilience by refusing to be finished. Makhachev’s approach remained consistent throughout, as he stated, “This was my plan, and it’s not a secret. All of my opponents know this, but nobody can stop it.”
With this victory, Makhachev has not only solidified his claim as one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history but also set his sights on a new challenge within the highly competitive welterweight division, which features a variety of dynamic fighters. Looking to the future, Makhachev confidently declared, “Open the White House,” referencing the UFC’s significant event planned for 2026.
As Makhachev embarks on this new chapter in his career, his performance at UFC 322 serves as a clear indication of his readiness to take on the challenges ahead.
