New York: Islam Makhachev’s performance at UFC 322 left analysts and fans stunned with a level of dominance that exceeded even the expectations of his most loyal supporters. While Jack Della Maddalena entered the bout with renewed grappling confidence, and despite shutting down takedowns in his past title-winning appearance, he found himself unable to stop or escape Makhachev’s elite control.
Makhachev completed every takedown attempt and controlled Della Maddalena for more than 19 out of the 25 total minutes, making it one of the most decisive grappling displays of the year.
Belal Muhammad Explains the Invisible Skill Gap
Speaking to CBS Sports, top contender and long-time Makhachev teammate Belal Muhammad explained that the true difference was not simply wrestling technique, but body weight distribution and lifetime grappling mastery.
“He was taking him down in the open and wouldn’t let him get out of half guard. Islam on top is very hard to get up from,” Muhammad said. “If you’ve never felt it before, you don’t want your first time in the cage. It’s shocking.”
Muhammad added that the physical and psychological pressure wore Della Maddalena down over time — leading to easier takedown opportunities in later rounds.
He credited the unique grappling style shared by Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who train with full-body connection, unlike most fighters who rely only on strength from either upper or lower body segments.
Future Division Dynamics: Muhammad vs Makhachev?
With Makhachev now ruling the welterweight division, questions continue surrounding a possible future clash between him and Muhammad.
However, both fighters have maintained that they do not wish to face each other, leaving uncertainty about Muhammad’s long-term weight class.
“Right now it’s all about Ian Garry. Nothing else matters,” Muhammad said, avoiding speculation ahead of his fight in Qatar.
He promised to address his future after Saturday’s fight, but emphasized that his current mission is to deliver a statement performance.
Mohammed Eyes Statement Win at Qatar UFC Fight Night
After impressive knockout victories from Michael Morales and Carlos Prates on the same card, Muhammad admitted he feels the need to outperform both competitors to retain elite standing.
He praised Morales in particular, calling him “a monster” and acknowledging the momentum shift in the welterweight rankings.
Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry will serve as the co-main event at UFC Fight Night in Al Rayyan, Qatar, with Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker headlining the card.
