TLDR
- Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322 in New York City on November 15, 2025
- Makhachev dominated with takedowns and ground control, recording over 19 minutes of control time in the 25-minute fight
- Della Maddalena landed only 30 strikes total and appeared to suffer leg damage during the fight
- Makhachev became the 11th fighter in UFC history to win titles in two weight classes
- Della Maddalena’s 18-fight win streak ended along with his brief welterweight title reign
Islam Makhachev successfully moved up to welterweight and captured his second UFC championship by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. The event took place Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Makhachev controlled the fight from start to finish with his grappling. He took Della Maddalena down four times throughout the 25-minute contest. The former lightweight champion accumulated over 19 minutes of control time on the ground.
Della Maddalena struggled to mount any offense during the fight. He landed just 30 total strikes across all five rounds. The Australian champion was unable to keep the fight standing where his striking skills would have been more effective.
Makhachev’s Ground Control Dominates
The pattern established itself early in the first round. Makhachev took Della Maddalena down with relative ease and maintained top position. This strategy continued throughout the remaining four rounds.
What went wrong Jack Della Maddalena? pic.twitter.com/nhe2TwO42E
— MMA On Point (@mmaonpoint) November 16, 2025
Makhachev attempted several submissions during his ground control sequences. However, he was unable to finish any of them. The judges awarded him a clear unanimous decision victory.
The win made Makhachev the 11th fighter in UFC history to capture titles in two different weight classes. He previously held the lightweight championship at 155 pounds. The move to welterweight eliminated the difficult weight cut he regularly endured.
Della Maddalena’s Title Reign Ends
Della Maddalena had won the welterweight title just six months earlier in May 2025. He defeated Belal Muhammad in that bout with a dominant performance. The UFC 322 main event marked his first title defense.
The loss ended Della Maddalena’s 18-fight winning streak. He had compiled a perfect 8-0 record inside the UFC before facing Makhachev. His only previous losses came in the first two fights of his professional career.
Della Maddalena appeared to suffer leg damage during the fight. He was grimacing in pain during the later rounds. Makhachev targeted his lead leg throughout the contest with kicks and ground strikes.
The Australian fighter did not receive a post-fight interview. No information about potential injuries was disclosed immediately after the event.
Coach Responds to Loss
Ben Vickers, Della Maddalena’s head coach, released a statement Sunday on Instagram. He addressed the disappointing result and the loss of the welterweight title. Vickers posted on his Scrappy MMA and Fitness page.
“I am more proud of Jack and the team today than ever before,” Vickers wrote. He acknowledged the defeat hurt but emphasized they took their chance at victory.
Vickers stated the loss does not define them or their team. He expressed gratitude for the support received over recent weeks. The coach confirmed this represents a beginning rather than an end for their camp.
Islam Makhachev shows support for Jack Della Maddalena after their fight and predicts he will rise again 🤝🫡
"Jack is still young, he’s 28. Some people just begin fighting at the top level at 28. I know he’s gonna come back, he’s gonna improve his wrestling, and he has one of… pic.twitter.com/WbOln2misn
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 17, 2025
Della Maddalena entered the fight as the underdog despite being the champion. He had promised to give Makhachev a difficult welcome to the welterweight division. Instead, Makhachev demonstrated why he had long discussed moving up in weight.
A potential matchup between Della Maddalena and Sean Brady could be next. Brady also lost at UFC 322, getting knocked out by Michael Morales in the first round. Both fighters now need to rebuild after suffering setbacks on the same card.
