TLDR
- Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322 to become the new UFC welterweight champion
- Makhachev became one of 11 fighters to win UFC titles in two different weight classes, having previously held the lightweight belt
- Sean O’Malley expressed sympathy for Della Maddalena, who faced Makhachev in his first title defense after winning the belt
- O’Malley compared his own easier first title defense against Marlon Vera to Della Maddalena’s difficult matchup
- O’Malley praised Della Maddalena for surviving five rounds without being submitted by Makhachev
Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has shared his thoughts on Jack Della Maddalena’s loss at UFC 322. The Australian fighter faced Islam Makhachev in his first title defense last Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Makhachev dominated the five-round main event to win by unanimous decision. The Russian fighter became the new UFC welterweight champion in the process.
The victory made Makhachev one of just 11 fighters in UFC history to win titles in two different weight classes and the New P4P No.1. He previously held the lightweight championship before moving up to welterweight.
O’Malley spoke about the fight on The BrO’Malley Show podcast. He expressed sympathy for Della Maddalena’s situation.
“Poor JDM, he goes out there, he gets the belt, he wins the belt, and the first title defense is Islam,” O’Malley said. The former champion compared this to his own first title defense.
O’Malley won the bantamweight title by knocking out Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in August 2023. His first defense came against Marlon Vera in March 2024.
“Fortunate for me, I win the belt, they gave me Chito,” O’Malley stated. He acknowledged he had an easier path than Della Maddalena.
Makhachev’s Dominant Performance
Makhachev controlled the fight through his wrestling and clinch work. Della Maddalena struggled to mount any offense during the 25-minute contest.
The 34-year-old Russian never allowed the Australian champion to find his rhythm. He used his grappling skills to neutralize Della Maddalena’s striking.
O’Malley praised Della Maddalena for making it to the final bell. He noted the difficulty of surviving against an elite grappler like Makhachev.
“It’s crazy how much damage he didn’t take and how good of a job he did not getting submitted,” O’Malley said. He called it impressive that Della Maddalena avoided a finish.
O’Malley defended his bantamweight title once before losing it to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September 2024. He failed to reclaim the belt in a rematch with Dvalishvili in June 2025.
Della Maddalena’s Path Forward
Della Maddalena won the welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May. The 29-year-old held the championship for six months before losing to Makhachev.
His head coach Ben Vickers has stated this is not the end for the Australian fighter. Della Maddalena will look to work his way back to a title shot.
O’Malley questioned whether anyone at welterweight can match Makhachev’s skills. He wondered if Ilia Topuria, the current lightweight champion, might pose a bigger challenge.
“The question is does he do that to Ilia Topuria?” O’Malley asked. He suggested Topuria’s shorter height might make takedowns more difficult for Makhachev.
Makhachev now holds the welterweight championship and ranks as the number one pound-for-pound male fighter in the UFC. Several contenders have emerged at 170 pounds following impressive performances at UFC 322.
