Ali Akbar Rosady
Makhachev’s reported victory at UFC 322 marked his ascent to a second weight class title, a feat that places him among an elite group of UFC athletes. The bout against Jack Della Maddalena, a rising contender in the welterweight division, concluded after five rounds, with Makhachev securing a lopsided decision. This outcome, while demonstrating complete control and tactical superiority, often draws criticism from segments of the fanbase accustomed to dramatic knockouts or submissions. St-Pierre, however, argued that such criticism stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the sport’s intricacies.
"Right now I think the best pound-for-pound is probably Islam Makhachev," St-Pierre stated during a recent appearance on a Kick broadcast with streamer Adin Ross. "I was there, I witnessed his performance last Saturday. It was freaking brilliant. Unbelievable. I don’t think he even took a punch. It’s unbelievable."
St-Pierre, known for his own highly strategic and often dominant decision victories throughout his illustrious career, drew parallels between his fighting philosophy and Makhachev’s. Both champions have built legacies on calculated game plans, superior conditioning, and the ability to neutralize opponents effectively, even if it means foregoing a highlight-reel finish. This approach, while immensely successful, has historically faced scrutiny from some fans who prioritize aggression and dramatic conclusions.
Addressing these critics directly, St-Pierre added, "A lot of people, ‘Oh, it was a decision.’ People who say that, I’m sorry, because they don’t know the art of fighting. They have no idea. They don’t understand the art of fighting. His performance was freaking amazing. Yeah, the fight was not a flawless victory with a crazy submission or knockout, but the way going up a weight class and beat Jack Della Maddalena like he did is freaking hard."
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The "art of fighting," as described by St-Pierre, encompasses a holistic understanding of combat sports that extends beyond mere striking power or submission dexterity. It involves meticulous preparation, strategic execution, control of distance and pace, and the ability to minimize damage while imposing one’s will on an opponent. Makhachev’s performance against Della Maddalena, characterized by a complete neutralization of his opponent’s offense and consistent pressure, exemplified this tactical mastery. Despite Della Maddalena’s reputation as a dangerous striker and grappler, Makhachev reportedly navigated the championship rounds without absorbing significant blows, a testament to his defensive prowess and control.
For Jack Della Maddalena, the nature of the defeat could have profound implications. While making it to the final bell against a fighter of Makhachev’s caliber is a testament to his resilience, the manner of the loss—a dominant, five-round decision where he was consistently outmaneuvered—can be particularly demoralizing. St-Pierre, speaking from his vast experience at the pinnacle of the sport, elaborated on the psychological weight of such a defeat.
"I think one thing for a fighter that is harder to take when you lose than being knocked out or submitted is going into a decision but getting beat for five rounds and knowing that you’re far," St-Pierre observed. "Like, you didn’t get clipped, you didn’t make a mistake. You lose because that guy is just that much better than you and that could be, for Jack, for example, could be a wake-up call or it could be his downfall or a wake-up call to make him rise to the occasion, to realize like, ‘Man, I need to work on this, this, this to get better.’ We’ll see what’s going to happen."
This perspective highlights the mental fortitude required in professional fighting. A knockout or submission can be attributed to a single mistake or a moment of vulnerability, but a sustained, dominant performance by an opponent over five rounds points to a significant skill gap that can force a fighter to re-evaluate their entire approach. Della Maddalena, who entered the fight with a strong professional record and significant momentum in the welterweight division, now faces a critical juncture in his career following this encounter.
Makhachev’s reported victory at UFC 322 elevates him to an exclusive echelon of UFC athletes. By claiming the welterweight title, he becomes the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold championships in two distinct weight divisions. This achievement places him alongside legends such as Randy Couture, B.J. Penn, St-Pierre himself, Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo, Amanda Nunes, and Alex Pereira, among others. Each of these fighters demonstrated an unparalleled ability to adapt their skills and physiques to overcome elite competition across different weight classes.
Furthermore, Makhachev’s reported win extended his incredible professional mixed martial arts winning streak to 16 consecutive victories. This monumental achievement ties the record for the longest active winning streak in UFC history, a record previously held solely by the iconic former middleweight champion, Anderson Silva. Silva’s 16-fight run, which spanned from 2006 to 2012, is often cited as one of the most dominant periods in the sport’s history. Makhachev, with a career record of 28-1, has solidified his place among the sport’s most dominant figures. His lone professional defeat came early in his UFC tenure in 2015, a knockout loss to Adriano Martins, an anomaly in an otherwise pristine record.
Looking ahead, Makhachev’s presence in the welterweight division immediately reshapes the landscape, presenting a formidable challenge to its established contenders. The division boasts a deep roster of talent, including current champion Leon Edwards, former interim champion Colby Covington, surging contenders like Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov, and promising prospects such as Ian Garry. Each of these fighters presents unique stylistic challenges, from elite striking to high-level grappling and relentless pressure.
Beyond the welterweight division, the possibility of Makhachev chasing a third title, potentially in the middleweight division, remains a topic of speculation. Such a move would be an even rarer feat, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s true pioneers. St-Pierre, while endorsing Makhachev’s current dominance, also offered a prudent reminder about the inherent unpredictability of combat sports.
"The thing is anyone can beat anyone," St-Pierre cautioned. "There is nobody that is invincible. Even though I believe Islam Makhachev is the best fighter pound-for-pound, that doesn’t mean he will always win because it’s not the best fighter that wins the fight, it’s the fighter that fights the best the night of the fight. Same thing in hockey, baseball, basketball, the team on paper who’s the best team doesn’t always win the game. There are certain things that happen that affect the result and that are very often out of our control and that’s why we make fights happen, otherwise it would be boring if we always know who would win. That’s why there are bets, that’s the reason why."
This philosophy underscores the dynamic nature of mixed martial arts, where a myriad of factors—including injury, weight cut complications, unexpected stylistic matchups, or even a single mistimed strike—can alter the outcome of a contest. While Makhachev is currently riding an unprecedented wave of success and skill, St-Pierre’s words serve as a valuable reminder that no fighter is truly invulnerable. The sport’s allure lies in its unpredictability, ensuring that even the most dominant champions will eventually face challenges that test the limits of their perceived invincibility.
"Islam right now, I believe he’s the best, but that doesn’t mean there’s not someone that stylistically will match him and give him a lot of trouble or probably beat him. It’s very possible," St-Pierre concluded, acknowledging the ever-present potential for an upset in a sport where competitive margins are often razor-thin. Makhachev’s continued journey will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling narratives in the UFC for years to come.
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