New York: Islam Makhachev has officially etched his name among the greatest in UFC history by capturing the welterweight championship with a dominant unanimous-decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 322. The Russian superstar controlled all five rounds with suffocating wrestling, seamless transitions, and calculated striking to secure a clean sweep 50-45 on all three scorecards.
With the win, Makhachev becomes only the 11th fighter in UFC history to secure titles in two weight classes and the second athlete ever to claim both lightweight and welterweight gold — matching the historic achievement of B.J. Penn.
Speaking after the fight, an emotional Makhachev celebrated with coach and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, who placed both championship belts on his shoulders.
“This is a dream. I worked all my life for these two belts,” Makhachev said. “No weight cut — five rounds, non-stop. I can wrestle and do whatever I want. Everyone knows my style but nobody can stop it.”
Total Control From the Opening Seconds
The tone was set early when Makhachev secured a takedown within the first minute and immediately applied heavy pressure on top. He repeatedly threatened with positional dominance and submission setups, including his trademark D’arce choke, while neutralising Della Maddalena’s movement and offence.
Whenever the fight returned to striking range, Makhachev battered the Australian’s lead leg with precise and damaging calf kicks, further limiting his mobility. Even during Della Maddalena’s brief offensive bursts in rounds two and three, Makhachev’s counters and takedowns instantly stopped any momentum.
By the championship rounds, the pattern remained unchangeable — takedown, top control, advance, smother, repeat — as Makhachev closed out a masterclass in pressure and tactical execution.
Della Maddalena exited the Octagon visibly devastated and chose not to deliver a post-fight interview after losing the championship in his first title defence.
What Comes Next for the New Welterweight King?
With Makhachev reigning over two elite divisions, the welterweight landscape now becomes one of the most intriguing in UFC history. Possible future matchups include:
Michael Morales
Carlos Prates
Former champion Kamaru Usman
Shavkat Rakhmonov
Winner of Ian Machado Garry vs Belal Muhammad (UFC Qatar)
Makhachev, however, already knows where he wants to make his first defence — and he sent a surprising message:
“Donald Trump, let’s go. Open the White House, I am coming!”
With legacy secured and momentum rising, Makhachev enters a rare tier of UFC greatness — and the hunt for challengers has only just begun.
