TLDR
- Islam Makhachev won the UFC welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322
- UFC analyst Michael Chiesa believes 26-year-old Michael Morales deserves the next title shot after his first-round TKO of Sean Brady
- Daniel Cormier sees Shavkat Rakhmonov as Makhachev’s toughest potential matchup at welterweight
- Kamaru Usman returns to welterweight to face Joaquin Buckley after three straight losses
- Multiple contenders including Morales, Usman, Rakhmonov, and Ilia Topuria are being discussed for Makhachev’s first defense
Islam Makhachev captured the UFC welterweight championship at UFC 322 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena. The win extended Makhachev’s undefeated record to 19-0 and added a second UFC title to his collection.
The new champion controlled Della Maddalena over five rounds using his wrestling skills. UFC CEO Dana White called the surplus of potential challengers “a good problem to have.”
Michael Morales finished Sean Brady with a first-round TKO on the same card. The 26-year-old Ecuadorian remains undefeated at 19-0 and has finished 15 of his career wins.
UFC analyst Michael Chiesa believes Morales should receive the next title shot. Chiesa told MMA Junkie that Morales represents the complete package both inside and outside the octagon.
“What’s wrong with the idea of having a young champion?” Chiesa said. “The sport needs something like that.”
Morales has stopped his last three opponents in the first round. His recent victories include Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny, both by first-round TKO.
Rakhmonov Viewed as Toughest Challenge
Daniel Cormier identified Shavkat Rakhmonov as the most difficult matchup for Makhachev at welterweight. Rakhmonov holds an undefeated 19-0 record and has impressed with his size and wrestling ability.
“The size of Rakhmonov, the wrestling ability of Rakhmonov, and the striking of Rakhmonov…boy, that is a good one,” Cormier stated on his show. “I think, though, if he was to fight Shavkat, that would easily be the hardest fight of his career.”
Rakhmonov last fought in December 2024 when he defeated Ian Machado Garry. The 31-year-old was scheduled for a title shot twice before but circumstances prevented both opportunities.
He was set to face Belal Muhammad in December but the champion withdrew due to injury. Rakhmonov’s own injury later kept him from capitalizing on his victory over Garry.
Kamaru Usman Returns to Welterweight
Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will return to 170 pounds to face Joaquin Buckley. Usman currently sits on a three-fight losing streak.
His two most recent losses came against Leon Edwards in title fights. The third loss came at middleweight against Khamzat Chimaev in a short-notice bout.
Usman performed well against Chimaev despite moving up in weight. He lost by majority decision with scores of 29-27, 29-27, and 28-28.
UFC analyst Chael Sonnen expressed disappointment that Usman chose to return to welterweight. Sonnen believed staying at middleweight could have provided a fresh start for the veteran fighter.
Buckley has won six straight fights since dropping to welterweight. His wins include victories over Stephen Thompson and Colby Covington.
Belal Muhammad previously told MMA Junkie that Usman should consider retirement. The current champion suggested Usman focus on his podcast instead of fighting.
Multiple Options for Champion
Makhachev stated his preference for facing either Usman or featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in a superfight. Other contenders like Ian Garry and Carlos Prates also remain in the conversation.
Chiesa believes Morales could force Makhachev into a standup fight. The analyst thinks Morales’ size and wrestling understanding could create problems for the champion.
Morales fought on the same card as the title fight and took no damage in his victory. This positioning could work in his favor for receiving the next title shot.
Rakhmonov may need another victory before earning a title shot given the emergence of other contenders. Several fighters have recorded important wins since his last appearance in December 2024.
