A New Champion Emerges: Makhachev's Dominant Victory at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev made history at UFC 322, becoming a two-division champion in a dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena. The fight, held at New York's Madison Square Garden, saw Makhachev control every aspect of the bout, securing a unanimous decision with all three judges scoring it 50-45 in his favor.

A Record-Breaking Performance

Makhachev's victory tied him with Anderson Silva for the most consecutive wins in UFC history, marking his 16th straight win. His grappling and striking were on full display, as he racked up 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control time against Della Maddalena. The Australian fighter, who had been undefeated since 2016, was no match for Makhachev's skill and strategy.

Dominance from Start to Finish

The fight started with Della Maddalena looking determined, but by the middle rounds, his expression had turned to one of defeat. Makhachev's calf kicks and head strikes, combined with his superior grappling, left Della Maddalena struggling to keep up. Despite his efforts, Della Maddalena was unable to secure a takedown or gain any significant advantage.

A Strategic Move Up

Makhachev's move up to welterweight has proven to be a smart one, as he no longer has to cut weight for his fights. This change has allowed him to perform at his best, as seen in his dominant victory over Della Maddalena. The Russian fighter's top control was too much for Della Maddalena, who spent much of the fight trying to escape from the bottom position.

Future Challenges Ahead

Looking ahead, Makhachev has set his sights on the UFC's highly anticipated event in 2026, the "Open the White House" event. Meanwhile, current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has already called out Makhachev, expressing confidence in his ability to defeat one of the best fighters in the world.

Other Notable Performances

In other news from UFC 322, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales impressed with their performances, scoring devastating finishes against Leon Edwards and Sean Brady, respectively. Their victories have put them in the conversation as potential title contenders in the welterweight division.