Makhachev smothers Della Maddalena to win 2nd UFC title
Islam Makhachev is in the history books forever: He's the UFC's latest two-division champion.
Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) to capture the welterweight title in the UFC 322 main event Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Makhachev, a former lightweight champion who moved up to 170 pounds for the first time, became the 11th fighter to win UFC titles in two different weight classes. He also tied former middleweight champion Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in promotion history (16).
"This is the dream," Makhachev said in his postfight interview. "All my life for these two belts. I'm really happy. The belt is so heavy, and I like it. I worked hard for this moment."
Makhachev, ranked No. 2 pound-for-pound coming in, has been one of the top talents in the sport for years. The 34-year-old Dagestani captured the 155-pound title in 2022 and defended it four times before deciding to move up and challenge for a second belt. But no accomplishment has been as big or impressive as this one.
Makhachev delivered a masterful performance against Della Maddalena, using his wrestling to dominate the fight. He completed all four of his takedown attempts officially - though he got Della Maddalena to the ground in all five rounds - and compiled a whopping 19:10 of control time. Makhachev outlanded Della Maddalena 140-30 in total strikes and 30-18 in significant strikes.
"This is my plan," Makhachev said of the grueling victory. "It's not a secret. All my opponents know this, and nobody can stop."
Makhachev's professional record now stands at 28-1. He has been unbeaten for over a decade; his only career loss came in his second UFC fight in October 2015.
Makhachev said he wants to defend his title at the UFC's planned event at the White House next year.
"Donald Trump, let's go, open the White House," Makhachev said. "I am coming."
Della Maddalena, who was defending the welterweight title for the first time, suffered his first loss in the UFC and first defeat since 2016. He had won eight in a row in the promotion - and 18 straight overall - coming into the fight.
The 29-year-old Australian won the belt in a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May. Della Maddalena now holds an 18-3 record as a professional.