Islam Makhachev Claims Welterweight Crown, Ending Jack Della Maddalena's Title Reign at UFC 322

Las Vegas, NV – In a highly anticipated showdown at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev delivered a dominant performance, securing the welterweight championship and etching his name into UFC history as a two-division titleholder. The Dagestani phenom defeated Jack Della Maddalena via a lopsided unanimous decision in the main event on Saturday night, bringing an end to the Australian’s brief reign atop the 170-pound division.

The five-round contest was a clinic in grappling supremacy from Makhachev, who systematically neutralized Della Maddalena’s renowned striking prowess. Throughout the 25-minute encounter, Makhachev successfully executed four takedowns, amassing an astounding 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control time. This strategic masterclass allowed him to dictate the pace and location of the fight, stifling any offensive rhythm Della Maddalena attempted to establish. The statistics underscored Makhachev’s control, with Della Maddalena credited with landing only 30 significant strikes over the full five rounds, a stark contrast to his usual high-volume output.

With this victory, Makhachev adds the welterweight belt to his existing lightweight championship, joining an elite group of just 10 other fighters in UFC history to capture titles in two separate weight classes. This rare feat solidifies his position as one of the sport’s most formidable and accomplished athletes.

The day following the challenging defeat, Della Maddalena’s head coach, Ben Vickers, released a heartfelt statement addressing the outcome and expressing his unwavering support for his fighter. Posting on the Scrappy MMA and Fitness page on Instagram, Vickers conveyed the team’s collective disappointment but also their enduring pride.

Related News :

"I am more proud of Jack and the team today than ever before," Vickers wrote. "True, we didn’t get the marbles but we dared to dream and took our shot. It hurts. It hurts like hell but we aren’t defined by this sport, it’s just what we love to do."

Vickers acknowledged the immense support received by Della Maddalena and his team, highlighting the deep connection within their community. "We have felt all the support and love over the last couple weeks and decades and it means the world. I love Jack and the Team and I love Scrappy MMA and our community. I’ll see you all on the mats as soon as I’m back in glorious P Town. And rest assured, this is the beginning not the end!" The statement underscored a resilient outlook, suggesting that despite the setback, Della Maddalena’s journey in mixed martial arts is far from over.

Leading into UFC 322, Jack Della Maddalena, while the reigning welterweight champion, entered the bout as a significant underdog against the dominant lightweight king. The Australian had previously expressed confidence in his ability to welcome Makhachev "rudely" to the welterweight division, having promised a challenging debut for the Russian in the higher weight class. Della Maddalena’s striking skills and recent knockout victories had generated considerable buzz, with many anticipating a stand-up battle. However, Makhachev’s wrestling-centric approach proved insurmountable.

Makhachev’s decision to move up to welterweight had been a subject of discussion for some time, primarily due to the arduous weight cut he frequently endured to compete at 155 pounds. His performance at UFC 322 demonstrated the advantages of fighting at a more natural weight, allowing him to exert his grappling dominance without the strain of extreme dehydration. While he did not secure a submission or knockout finish against Della Maddalena, his relentless pressure and control were evident throughout. Makhachev consistently threatened with various submission attempts from top position, including arm-triangles and rear-naked choke setups, although Della Maddalena’s defensive resilience prevented him from capitalizing.

The defeat marks a significant turning point in Jack Della Maddalena’s professional career. Prior to Saturday night, the Perth native had not experienced a loss since the initial two fights of his career, an impressive run that preceded a remarkable 18-fight winning streak. This streak included a perfect 8-0 record within the Ultimate Fighting Championship, establishing him as one of the promotion’s most promising talents. His ascent culminated in May, when he captured the welterweight title with a stunning performance against Belal Muhammad, a victory that showcased his precision striking and finishing ability.

The loss to Makhachev now forces Della Maddalena to regroup and reassess his path in the welterweight division. The competitive landscape of the UFC’s 170-pound category remains one of the deepest, and the Australian slugger will need to rebound from this setback to reclaim his championship aspirations. For Makhachev, the victory opens new avenues, potentially leading to further challenges in the welterweight division or an undisputed reign as a dual champion, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. The implications of UFC 322 are profound for both fighters, setting the stage for intriguing future developments in their respective careers.