Islam Makhachev made history at UFC 322, becoming a two-division UFC champion after moving up to welterweight and putting on a dominant five-round performance against Jack Della Maddalena at Madison Square Garden. From the opening moments, it was clear Makhachev’s wrestling and top control were on a completely different level. He shut down Della Maddalena’s boxing almost entirely, spending nearly the entire fight in control on the mat and leaving no room for the Australian to build momentum. All three judges scored the bout 50–45, a testament to how one-sided the fight was.
By winning the welterweight belt, Makhachev became only the 11th fighter in UFC history to claim titles in two weight classes. The victory also extended his UFC winning streak to 16, tying Anderson Silva’s legendary run, and improved his overall record to 28-1. After the fight, Makhachev said he felt stronger, faster, and more confident at welterweight, praising the power in his hands and the freedom in his movement now that he no longer cuts down to lightweight.
This win wasn’t just another title fight—it was a defining moment in Makhachev’s career. He became the first Russian fighter to hold belts in two divisions, solidifying his place among the sport’s all-time greats. His style, built on relentless pressure, airtight grappling, and suffocating control, once again proved nearly impossible to solve. The performance echoed the dominance he showed throughout his lightweight reign, reminding everyone why he has long been considered one of the best grapplers in MMA.
Makhachev’s success immediately shook up the welterweight division. With new contenders and fresh matchups now on the table, talk quickly turned to potential future opponents. Kamaru Usman’s name surfaced as a highly anticipated matchup, though several other top welterweights have also thrown their hats into the ring. UFC 322 as a whole delivered strong performances across the card, setting the stage for an exciting stretch of fights in multiple divisions.
In the end, Makhachev’s win at Madison Square Garden felt like the culmination of everything he has built toward—two belts, a historic streak, and a legacy cemented on one of combat sports’ biggest stages. It was the night he fulfilled a dream and set a new standard for what dominance looks like inside the Octagon.
biggest quotes and postfight reactions from both Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena after their welterweight title showdown at UFC 322.
Islam Makhachev
Makhachev said he felt relieved and grateful once the fight was over, explaining that the emotions settled and he was simply thankful for the chance to perform at that level. He talked about how his game plan revolved around steady pressure and smart wrestling—controlling every position without taking unnecessary risks.
He made it clear that becoming a double champion won’t change his mindset. “He is a champion. He is a double champion,” he said of himself with a calm confidence, “but that’s not going to stop me.” For him, the spotlight doesn’t matter as much as staying sharp and proving, fight after fight, why he’s at the top.
Makhachev also brushed off the common claims from opponents who say they can out-grapple him. He pointed out that many talk about taking him down or beating him on the mat, but once they’re inside the cage, it’s a different story. Staying composed and trusting his preparation, he said, is what allows him to show the level of work he puts in every day.
Moving up to welterweight, he explained, has only made him feel stronger. He noticed improvements in his power, his striking, and even the way he moves—something that gave him confidence throughout the fight.
Jack Della Maddalena
After the fight, Della Maddalena didn’t make any excuses. He admitted the matchup wasn’t the kind of back-and-forth title fight fans expect, but he respected the complete dominance Makhachev showed, especially on the ground. He acknowledged the skill gap in the grappling and gave credit where it was due.
Despite the loss, he made it clear he isn’t going anywhere. Della Maddalena said he never turns down fights and still plans to stay in the mix at the top of the division. His goal is unchanged: keep competing with the best until he earns another shot at the belt.
He took a moment to thank Ecuador and Mexico for the support, saying he appreciated everything the fans and his team had done for him throughout his rise in the sport.
Even though the result wasn’t what he hoped for, Della Maddalena handled the moment with humility. He recognized the challenge he faced and respected the opportunity to test himself against one of the greatest grapplers the UFC has ever seen.