TLDR
- Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden to win the welterweight title
- Makhachev becomes the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes and the second to win both welterweight and lightweight belts after B.J. Penn
- The 34-year-old extended his winning streak to 16 consecutive victories inside the Octagon
- Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria criticized both fighters and said he would knock out Makhachev
- Welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov called himself the “real challenge” at 170 pounds
Islam Makhachev made history at UFC 322 on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The former lightweight champion moved up to welterweight and dominated Jack Della Maddalena to claim his second UFC title.
All three judges scored the fight 50-45 in favor of Makhachev. The Russian fighter controlled every aspect of the five-round contest from start to finish.
Makhachev secured his first takedown just moments into the opening round. He grabbed Della Maddalena’s leg and tripped him to the canvas, setting the tone for the entire fight.
The 34-year-old used a mix of wrestling and calf kicks to break down the Australian champion. Della Maddalena had no answers for Makhachev’s game plan throughout the bout.
Makhachev weighed down on top of Della Maddalena like a human brick wall whenever the fight hit the ground. The Australian tried to scramble free but repeatedly found himself back on his back.
“I am so happy today.”
Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA) reflects on earning the welterweight title and joining the short list of fighters to capture a belt in two weightclasses. #VeChain #UFC322.
Complete Main Card Results ➡️ https://t.co/wpItLrKOB4 pic.twitter.com/AgmyXwJ13P
— UFC News (@UFCNews) November 16, 2025
“This is a dream,” Makhachev said after coach Khabib Nurmagomedov placed both belts on his shoulders. “All of my work for these two belts. I am really happy.”
Makhachev becomes the 11th fighter in UFC history to win titles in two divisions. He is the second man to hold gold at both welterweight and lightweight after B.J. Penn.
The victory extends Makhachev’s winning streak to 16 consecutive fights inside the Octagon. He previously set the record for most consecutive lightweight title defenses before moving up a weight class.
“No cut weight, five round non-stop, I can wrestle, I can do whatever I want,” Makhachev explained. “This is my plan. It’s not a secret.”
Reactions From The MMA World
Ilia Topuria was quick to comment on the UFC 322 main event result. The current lightweight champion was not impressed by what he saw.
“Jack needs an entire camp dedicated just to wrestling,” Topuria wrote on social media. “What a disappointment of a champion.”
Topuria also directed criticism at Makhachev himself. “Islam, you need something you can’t train: emotion. You’re the most boring thing in this game,” the Georgian-Spanish fighter stated.
The lightweight champion added that he feels confident about a potential matchup. “Every day I’m more certain I put you to sleep,” Topuria wrote.
Shavkat Rakhmonov also sent a message to the new champion. The third-ranked welterweight contender congratulated Makhachev on his victory.
Shavkat Rakhmonov sends a message to Islam Makhachev 👀
"The real challenge at 170 is still me." 😳 #UFC322 pic.twitter.com/WS4CswOFn4
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 16, 2025
“Congratulations to Islam, excellent performance,” Rakhmonov wrote. “But the real challenge at 170 is still me.”
What’s Next For Makhachev
Della Maddalena left the octagon immediately after the fight ended. He did not participate in a post-fight interview following his first title defense.
Makhachev now faces a long line of potential contenders at welterweight. Michael Morales and Carlos Prates both earned impressive wins at UFC 322.
Former champion Kamaru Usman remains in the mix for a title shot. The undefeated Rakhmonov continues to establish himself as a top threat in the division.
The winner of Ian Machado Garry versus Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar will also enter the title picture. Makhachev has multiple options for his first welterweight title defense.
