Makhachev Eyes Historic Welterweight Title, Declares Undisputed Claim to Lightweight Crown

Islam Makhachev is set to enter UFC 322 this Saturday, not as a reigning champion, but with the steadfast conviction that his lightweight belt remains firmly in his possession. The Dagestani phenom is poised to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title in the main event, a move that required him to vacate his 155-pound championship earlier this year. Despite the official relinquishment of his lightweight strap, Makhachev asserts that this is merely a bureaucratic formality, underscoring his belief that he never truly lost his undisputed status in the division.

Speaking at the UFC 322 pre-fight press conference, Makhachev articulated his unique perspective on his championship status. "I feel I’m still champion," he stated unequivocally. "I don’t lose my belt to anyone. I’m just coming to get second one." This sentiment reflects a deep-seated confidence rooted in his dominant reign at lightweight, where he established himself as a formidable force. His declaration sets the stage for a compelling narrative at UFC 322, where he aims to transcend the boundaries of a single division and cement his legacy as one of the sport’s elite multi-division competitors.

Makhachev’s lightweight tenure was marked by a period of unparalleled dominance, culminating in a historic achievement earlier this year. At UFC 311 in January, he successfully defended his lightweight title for the fourth consecutive time against Renato Moicano, submitting the Brazilian in the first round. This victory not only solidified his grip on the division but also set a new UFC record for the most lightweight title defenses in the promotion’s history. His reign saw him defeat a murderers’ row of contenders, including Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski (twice), and Dustin Poirier, showcasing a blend of elite grappling, powerful striking, and relentless pressure that proved insurmountable for his adversaries. The manner of his victories, often involving submission finishes or comprehensive decisions, left little doubt regarding his supremacy at 155 pounds.

Following his record-setting defense, speculation began to circulate regarding Makhachev’s next move. Rumors of a potential superfight against then-featherweight champion Ilia Topuria gained traction, promising a high-stakes clash between two of the sport’s most dominant figures. However, Makhachev’s aspirations extended beyond defending his lightweight crown. His gaze was fixed on a more ambitious goal: the pursuit of a second championship in a higher weight class. This ambition, he revealed, had been a long-held dream, a driving force throughout his professional career.

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The opportunity to pursue this dream materialized following Jack Della Maddalena’s triumph over Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title. Della Maddalena, a surging Australian contender, secured the championship in a hard-fought contest, opening the door for Makhachev to make his long-anticipated jump to 170 pounds. The connection between the two fighters extends beyond the title, as Belal Muhammad is a close friend and training partner of Makhachev. This adds an intriguing layer to the main event, with Makhachev potentially avenging his friend’s loss while simultaneously chasing his own historical milestone. "This is my dream," Makhachev affirmed. "I’m very close to my dream. All my professional career, when I was lightweight champion, my dream was to become double champion. And two more days."

Should Makhachev emerge victorious against Della Maddalena, he would etch his name into a select group of UFC legends. He would become only the 11th fighter in UFC history to achieve the coveted status of a two-division champion. This exclusive club includes iconic figures such as Randy Couture, B.J. Penn, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo, Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, and Jon Jones, each of whom left an indelible mark on the sport. The rarity of this accomplishment underscores the immense challenge and extraordinary skill required to conquer multiple weight classes in the UFC, a promotion renowned for its deep talent pools. Furthermore, a win would place Makhachev in contention for another significant historical record: tying Anderson Silva’s remarkable streak of 16 consecutive UFC victories. Silva, widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, set this benchmark during his legendary middleweight reign. Matching this achievement would not only highlight Makhachev’s sustained excellence but also firmly place him in the conversation regarding the sport’s all-time greats.

Such accolades naturally lead to discussions about a fighter’s place in the pantheon of mixed martial arts. A successful bid for a second title, coupled with a record-tying win streak, would undoubtedly propel Makhachev into the thick of the "greatest of all-time" (GOAT) debate. However, Makhachev himself maintains a singular focus on the immediate task at hand, prioritizing the tangible reward of a second championship belt over speculative discussions about his legacy. "Oh, I don’t know, man," Makhachev responded when asked about his place among the best ever. "I’m not thinking about this right now. I’m thinking about the belt. I spent all my life for just to be champion, and now I’m close to that dream right now." This pragmatic approach underscores his dedication to the sport and his unwavering commitment to achieving his long-term goals.

The path to achieving this dream, however, runs directly through Jack Della Maddalena, a formidable opponent who presents a significant challenge. Della Maddalena enters UFC 322 with an impressive professional record, currently riding an 18-fight unbeaten streak. His recent performances have showcased a fighter operating at the peak of his powers, with his welterweight title victory over Belal Muhammad widely regarded as the best performance of his career. Known for his crisp striking, aggressive style, and ability to finish fights, Della Maddalena represents a dangerous adversary for Makhachev’s welterweight debut. The Australian will be looking to defend his newly acquired title with conviction, eager to establish his own dominance in the division and spoil Makhachev’s historic aspirations.

Despite the formidable challenge posed by Della Maddalena, Makhachev projects an air of supreme confidence heading into Saturday’s main event. This confidence is bolstered by his past successes against opponents with strong ties to Australia, including Della Maddalena’s friend Alexander Volkanovski, whom Makhachev defeated twice in lightweight title defenses. Additionally, Makhachev holds a victory over Volkanovski’s teammate, Dan Hooker. These victories provide a psychological edge, demonstrating Makhachev’s ability to navigate and overcome the stylistic challenges presented by fighters from the Australian fighting scene. "Australia, it’s a good place," Makhachev remarked, referencing his past fights. "I was there. I like it. Now it’s 3-0, I will make four." This statement encapsulates his belief that he can continue his winning streak against Australian opposition, further validating his readiness for the welterweight challenge.

UFC 322 is set to be a night of high stakes and potential historical milestones. Beyond the main event, the co-main event features another championship bout, with Zhang Weili defending her strawweight title against Valentina Shevchenko. The outcome of this fight could also impact the potential for a 12th two-division champion in UFC history, should Shevchenko succeed and potentially seek a third title. However, all eyes will be on Islam Makhachev as he steps into the octagon, carrying the weight of his lightweight legacy and the ambition of becoming a double champion. His journey from a dominant lightweight ruler to a challenger in a new weight class encapsulates the relentless pursuit of greatness that defines the pinnacle of mixed martial arts.