The zenith of Islam Makhachev’s accomplishments may well have been among his most straightforward. As the reigning UFC lightweight titleholder with a record-breaking streak, Makhachev asserted his dominance over Jack Della Maddalena from the initial bell to the final horn on Saturday at UFC 322. This victory, secured at New York’s renowned Madison Square Garden, saw him claim the welterweight championship and ascend to become only the 11th competitor in the organization’s history to hold titles in two distinct weight categories.
All three judges tallied the contest at 50-45 in favor of Makhachev, a scoreline that accurately reflected the one-sided nature of the bout.
Makhachev’s decisive triumph also elevates him to share the distinction of the longest winning sequence in UFC annals, equaling the record previously held solely by UFC icon Anderson Silva. Makhachev’s impressive streak spans 16 consecutive victories, a testament to his consistency dating back to October 2015.
“This is the aspiration,” he declared following yet another commanding display characterized by his wrestling prowess. “My entire existence has been dedicated to securing these two championships. My elation is immeasurable, and the weight of these belts is something I relish. I have toiled relentlessly to attain this moment.
“This [wrestling] constitutes my strategy — it is no enigma. All my adversaries are cognizant of this, yet none possess the capability to impede it.”
Makhachev’s record-equaling 16-fight stretch encompasses triumphs against luminaries such as pound-for-pound king Alexander Volkanovski (twice), former titleholder Charles Oliveira, former interim champion Dustin Poirier, and formidable contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker, among a multitude of others. He established a fresh UFC benchmark for the most successive lightweight title defenses (4) in January, courtesy of his submission victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
Notwithstanding his choice to relinquish his lightweight title and escalate 15 pounds for UFC 322, Makhachev (28-1) exhibited no signs of discomfort in the 170-pound division. His substantial physical presence and intense strength were conspicuously apparent from the onset, as he swiftly executed a single-leg takedown within minutes and maintained top position for the duration of the opening round, subjecting Della Maddalena (18-3) to a relentless barrage of forceful punches and elbows.
The clash rapidly evolved into a display of unrelenting repetition, as Makhachev repeatedly took Della Maddalena down in each round, spending extensive periods either pursuing submission holds or relentlessly striking the Australian from a dominant position. Makhachev also consistently targeted Della Maddalena’s lead leg with punishing calf kicks during the instances of stand-up fighting. Della Maddalena appeared disheartened by the conclusion of the third round, yet found no reprieve from Makhachev’s persistent pressure.
The ultimate statistical breakdown underscored the extent of Makhachev’s dominance: he landed 140 of 188 total strikes, translating to an exceptional 74% accuracy rate, whereas Della Maddalena managed to connect on a mere 30 strikes across the 25-minute duration. Makhachev also amassed an astounding 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control time, encompassing over 76% of the fight’s total duration.
Although initially heralded as the successor to his childhood companion and long-standing training partner, UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has now arguably surpassed his mentor in nearly every statistical category, with the exception of Nurmagomedov’s unblemished professional record. At 34 years of age, with a second title already within his grasp, Makhachev stands poised to potentially cement his legacy as one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history by the time he concludes his career — if he hasn’t already achieved that status.
In the evening’s co-main event, UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko (26-4-1) laid the groundwork for Makhachev’s performance, leveraging her physicality and dominant wrestling skills to overwhelm former two-time UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili (26-4) in a similar contest of pound-for-pound elites.
Zhang, mirroring Makhachev’s actions, chose to vacate her long-held title to ascend a weight class and seek dual-division supremacy. Her endeavor, however, was thwarted by identical 50-45 scorecards in favor of Shevchenko.
Examine the comprehensive UFC 322: Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena outcomes and highlights below, along with Uncrowned’s detailed round-by-round analysis of the final eight matchups of the night.
Main Card
Welterweight championship: Jack Della Maddalena def. Islam Makhachev via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Women’s flyweight championship: Valentina Shevchenko def. Zhang Weili via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Welterweight: Michael Morales def. Sean Brady via TKO (punches) at 3:27 of R1 | Watch finish
Welterweight: Carlos Prates def. Leon Edwards via KO (punch) at 1:28 of R2 | Watch finish
Lightweight: Benoit Saint Denis def. Beneil Dariush via KO (punch) at :16 of R1 | Watch finish
Preliminary Card
Middleweight: Bo Nickal def. Rodolfo Vieira via KO (head kick) at 2:24 of R3 | Watch finish
Middleweight: Gregory Rodrigues def. Roman Kopylov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Women’s flyweight: Erin Blanchfield def. Tracy Cortez via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:44 of R2 | Watch finish
Featherweight: Ethyn Ewing def. Malcolm Wellmaker via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary Card
Middleweight: Kyle Daukaus def. Gerald Meerschaert via submission (D’arce choke) at :50 of R1 | Watch finish
Featherweight: Pat Sabatini def. Chepe Mariscal via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Strawweight: Fatima Kline def. Angela Hill via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Middleweight: Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric McConico via KO (punch) at 1:38 of R3 | Watch finish
Lightweight: Matheus Camilo def. Viacheslav Borshchev via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
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Drake Riggs
JDM initiates a more unrestrained offensive, aiming for a decisive blow, a tactic he is compelled to employ. Nonetheless, this strategy inadvertently facilitates a straightforward takedown, enabling Makhachev to regain control within the half guard position. He promptly endeavors an americana submission, yet JDM skillfully evades it. The control exerted by Makhachev presents a formidable challenge for the Australian. Observing JDM’s endeavors to endure this domination appears agonizing. They transition to a full guard posture with minimal inflicted damage. JDM contorts, repositioning to half guard. He relinquishes the d’arce choke, vehemently scrambling to transition north-south and seek escape. This maneuver proves surprisingly effective. However, it culminates in a return to half guard. There it materializes. Absolute command exhibited by the premier combatant globally.
10-8 Makhachev. (50-43 Makhachev.)
Drake Riggs
JDM initiates with a series of kicks. Makhachev responds with a swift kick targeting the body. Subsequently, he targets the lower region, then reverts to the body once more. Makhachev experiments with his punches, inevitably employing a leg chop before a seamless takedown reinstates the action to half guard. JDM struggles in a desperate attempt, exposing his back. Makhachev ensnares the arm with his leg. JDM extracts it, returning to half guard, yet he possesses no viable counter-strategies. This encounter is essentially resolved. Makhachev methodically advances toward a potential kimura near the cage. Employing wall-walking, JDM endures any adversity before the round concludes.
10-8 Makhachev. (40-35 Makhachev.)
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Drake Riggs
They exchange protracted right hands to commence the round. Makhachev persistently targets the calf region with recurrent kicks. JDM is palpably affected by another leg kick. JDM begins to succumb to a forceful multi-punch combination. Makhachev secures a firm clinch, delivering knee strikes while JDM retaliates with punches. Makhachev executes a flawless double-leg takedown, positioning JDM downward and transitioning into half guard. Makhachev launches a moderate offensive, yet this scenario mirrors the Shevchenko performance from the preceding bout. JDM attempts to constrict the position, exposing himself to potential elbows. He endeavors to roll, but is unable to break free. JDM exerts a late burst of energy. However, this exertion yields no tangible outcome, other than Makhachev preserving exceptional control.
10-9 Makhachev. (30-27 Makhachev.)
Drake Riggs
Makhachev connects a kick to the outer leg of JDM. He punches past the guard of JDM before failing on a fleeting single-leg endeavor. Another leg kick penetrates. A head kick successfully lands for Makhachev before they engage in a clinch. Makhachev applies pressure to the champion against the cage using an underhook. JDM attempts a whizzer escape but is countered, falling beneath and inverted by Makhachev. JDM’s back faces the wall, seeking wrist control or any form of defense. The confined space limits Makhachev’s ability to execute substantial offensive maneuvers. An opportunity for a significant elbow emerges for Makhachev. Concise elbows connect for Makhachev, as JDM initiates movement away from the cage, relinquishing a more fortified half guard posture. Makhachev teases potential submission holds but refrains from fully committing until an opening for elbows presents itself. JDM explosively rises to his feet late in the round. The round concludes.
10-9 Makhachev. (20-18 Makhachev.)
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Drake Riggs
Makhachev delivers an early chop before JDM advances with punches. They trade leg kicks. JDM executes a well-placed jab. He directs the jab toward the body. Makhachev launches a single-leg takedown, successfully executing it. He lands directly in half guard. They exchange short punches. JDM exerts his best efforts to gradually move out, initiating a scramble that culminates in Makhachev securing the back position. Makhachev maintains complete control, transitioning back to half guard. Makhachev threatens a potential d’arce choke, but JDM identifies it. JDM attempts to forcefully escape, ultimately returning to guard. JDM manages to break free to reposition slightly before the round concludes.
10-9 Makhachev.
Uncrowned Staff
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 14: (L-R) Opponents Jack Della Maddalena of Australia and Islam Makhachev of Russia face off during the UFC 322 ceremonial weigh-in at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
(Ishika Samant via Getty Images)
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Makhachev’s foray into the welterweight division is a development I’m still processing. His dominance as a lightweight has been virtually unparalleled, and the pursuit of champion status in two divisions is an ambition that his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, opted to leave unexplored.
Does this level of command translate effectively with an additional 15 pounds? The fresh challenge posed by Della Maddalena – a significant underdog – acquired additional intrigue the instant “JDM” secured the title from Belal Muhammad.
Let’s commence with the defending champion. Della Maddalena showcases some of the most refined and aesthetically pleasing boxing techniques currently evident in MMA. His performance against Muhammad – both offensively and defensively – was impressive. In a strictly striking contest, “JDM” poses a considerable challenge to virtually anyone. Although a conclusive finish against Muhammad wasn’t achieved, that’s typically the method through which the Australian secures victory. And despite Makhachev’s exceptional abilities across various facets of combat, he’s bound to be impacted by Della Maddalena’s strikes on Saturday.
The distinguishing attribute shared by nearly all Dagestani elites lies in their sambo expertise and their nearly insurmountable grappling proficiency. This will undoubtedly be the most compelling dimension of the main event, as Makhachev will likely replicate his typical success irrespective of his escalation in weight. Della Maddalena remains quietly exceptional in scrambles, successfully escaping advantageous positions against competitors like Muhammad and highly skilled BJJ practitioner Gilbert Burns. Della Maddalena needs to emulate his prior defensive tactics and counterattacks on exits, similar to his previous successes.
The fundamental issue is Makhachev’s comprehensive technical acuity. He epitomizes a distinct level of ability. Reducing the amount of weight cut could potentially offer a benefit, as he’s demonstrably increased his mass in preparation for the approaching weekend. Could this transformation compromise his stamina during the fight? It’s plausible. However, this becomes relevant only if the fight progresses to that point, and I suspect a submission could occur before that becomes a concern. Alternatively, Makhachev could establish a three-round advantage, relegating “JDM” to the familiar role of an underdog striving for a late resurgence.
Irrespective of the outcome, the event promises to be captivating. Makhachev’s superiority and comparative lack of vulnerabilities render him a formidable opponent to his championship counterpart.
Pick: Makhachev
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Drake Riggs
Zhang aggressively advances, aiming to initiate something before they engage in a clinch against the cage. They vie briefly for control before separating. Shevchenko connects with another body kick. Zhang lands a successful oblique kick, but is ensnared in a clinch thereafter. Shevchenko secures the body, coercing Zhang backward and downward. They maneuver in full guard. Shevchenko transitions to half guard, inflicting minimal damage. Shevchenko commences with a series of punches following referee Marc Goddard’s instruction to engage. Zhang initiates squirming and expels Shevchenko. The champion delivers kicks to the legs, concluding the fight. A masterful display.
10-9 Shevchenko. (50-45 Shevchenko.)
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