TLDR
- Islam Makhachev won the welterweight title at UFC 322 by unanimous decision (50-45 across all scorecards) over Jack Della Maddalena after vacating his lightweight belt earlier this year
- Makhachev became a two-division champion with his dominant five-round performance at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night
- Ilia Topuria called out Makhachev after the fight, potentially setting up a super fight that could happen at the White House card in July
- Paddy Pimblett’s plans for a lightweight title shot are now uncertain as Topuria may move up to welterweight instead of defending against him
- Pimblett confirmed he will fight early next year regardless of opponent, though his specific matchup remains unclear
Islam Makhachev successfully captured the UFC welterweight championship at UFC 322 on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. The 34-year-old Russian fighter defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 50-45.
Makhachev vacated his lightweight title earlier this year to pursue the welterweight belt. His dominant performance over all five rounds made him the latest fighter to win titles in two different weight classes.
The victory has created uncertainty in the lightweight division. Current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria immediately challenged Makhachev after the fight, calling him boring and promising to put him to sleep.
Topuria had previously moved down from featherweight to claim the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 earlier this summer. The Spanish champion has repeatedly stated his desire to move up and face Makhachev.
Pimblett’s Title Shot in Limbo
Paddy Pimblett has been campaigning for a title shot against Topuria since his win over Michael Chandler at UFC 304 earlier this year. The Liverpool fighter even entered the cage after UFC 317 to potentially set up a lightweight title fight.
Recent rumors suggested the UFC was exploring Topuria versus Pimblett for the first numbered event of 2026 on Paramount. However, Topuria’s callout of Makhachev has complicated those plans.
There's only one man who can defeat Islam Makhachev
Send in Paddy Pimblett #UFC322 pic.twitter.com/SSSiioh1vB
— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU) November 16, 2025
Pimblett praised Makhachev’s performance on his YouTube channel. He called the Dagestani fighter “pound for pound No. 1” and said he goes down as “one of the best ever.”
The English contender acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his next fight. He mentioned that Topuria must decide whether to move up to welterweight or defend his lightweight title.
Pimblett noted several potential contenders for Makhachev at welterweight. He mentioned Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, Ian Garry if he beats Belal Muhammad next week, and Shavkat Rakhmonov.
“The welterweight division could be becoming more exciting than the lightweight division,” Pimblett said. “I don’t think any division has been more exciting than lightweight in over 10 years.”
What’s Next for Pimblett
Pimblett confirmed he will fight early next year regardless of the situation. He stated he will have an opponent no matter what happens with Makhachev and Topuria.
The fighter mentioned Justin Gaethje as another potential opponent. Pimblett said he thought he would face Gaethje in Abu Dhabi but that fight never materialized.
Makhachev mentioned the White House card during his post-fight interview. However, Pimblett believes Makhachev will defend his welterweight title before that event, which is scheduled for July.
The potential super fight between Makhachev and Topuria could hold up two divisions. It remains unknown whether the UFC will pursue the matchup or prioritize other contenders.
Topuria won the vacant lightweight title earlier this summer after dropping his featherweight belt. Pimblett and Topuria have a long-standing rivalry that has yet to be settled inside the octagon.
Pimblett’s contender status remains up in the air while Makhachev and Topuria decide their next moves. The Liverpool fighter will wait to see if Topuria moves up to welterweight or stays to defend his lightweight title against him.
