On November 15, 2025, Madison Square Garden in New York hosted an electrifying UFC night as Islam Makhachev moved up in weight to face Jack Della Maddalena in the UFC 322 main event. Makhachev put on a masterful performance, controlling all five rounds and earning a unanimous decision victory to become the new UFC Welterweight Champion.
Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena has quickly become one of the most exciting welterweights in the UFC. Holding a professional record of 18 wins and just 2 losses, the 28-year-old has risen through the ranks with crisp boxing, calm composure, and ruthless finishing ability. In May 2025, Della Maddalena captured the UFC Welterweight Championship by defeating Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision
Before that, in March 2024, he scored a highlight-reel TKO win over Gilbert Burns in Round 3, delivering a brutal knee and ground strikes to seal the victory. Those back-to-back performances cemented him as one of the sport’s top young champions. Despite losing twice early in his career, Della Maddalena has gone unbeaten since joining the UFC. His combination of precise striking, body attacks, and improved takedown defense makes him one of the toughest matchups in the division today.
Across the cage stood Islam Makhachev, a man many consider the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. With an incredible 27–1 professional record, he has dominated the lightweight division with a mix of smothering grappling, heavy pressure, and growing striking confidence. Makhachev’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. In June 2024, he defeated Dustin Poirier via fifth-round submission (D’Arce choke) at UFC 302, extending his winning streak and further proving his championship mettle. Earlier this year, in January 2025, he submitted Renato Moicano in the first round at UFC 311. Now, Makhachev is chasing history by stepping up to welterweight in hopes of becoming a two-division UFC champion.
Makhachev made his way into the octagon first followed by Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev started strong, immediately implementing his signature wrestling. He secured a takedown early and worked from top control, landing short ground strikes. On the feet, Makhachev used calf kicks and precise punches to limit Della Maddalena’s movement, leaving him reactive and on the back foot.
The second round saw Makhachev continue his dominance. He mixed takedowns with striking and again maintained top control on the mat. Della Maddalena attempted to scramble, but Makhachev’s pressure and timing kept him contained. His kicks and calculated movement started to visibly wear down the former champion.
Round three came and Makhachev increased his activity, threatening submissions while landing powerful ground strikes in round 3. Every time Della Maddalena tried to escape or mount offense, Makhachev reestablished dominant position, showcasing his complete control and grappling prowess.
The fourth round was more of the same, with Makhachev relentlessly controlling the pace. He secured another takedown, maintained top control, and landed consistent ground-and-pound. Della Maddalena’s energy visibly dropped as Makhachev continued to dictate the fight.
In the final round, Makhachev closed the fight with authority. He scored one last takedown and stayed in dominant positions, landing strikes while keeping Della Maddalena on the defensive. By the end, there was little doubt who controlled the bout from start to finish. Islam Makhachev won via unanimous decision, 50–45 on all three scorecards, capturing the UFC Welterweight Championship. With this victory, Makhachev became one of the few fighters to hold titles in two UFC divisions.
“This is a dream,” Makhachev said after his coach Khabib Nurmagomedov draped two belts on his shoulders. “All of my work for these two belts. I am really happy. The belt is so heavy and I like it. I worked hard for this moment. My life has changed. “No cut weight, five round non-stop, I can wrestle, I can do whatever I want. This is my plan. It’s not a secret. My opponents all know this and nobody can stop it.” “Donald Trump let’s go,” Makhachev shouted. “Open the White House, I am coming.”
