Makhachev’s Wrestling Carried Him to a Second UFC
Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena on November 15, 2025, at UFC 322 in New York. All three judges scored the welterweight championship main event 50–45 as Makhachev captured the title at Madison Square Garden.
Early takedowns changed the terms of the contest
Della Maddalena looked to advance with punches and attack the body, but Makhachev timed his entries effectively. Once on top, the challenger restricted movement and forced the Australian to spend long stretches defending.
Attempts to scramble upright did not reliably create lasting separation. Makhachev stayed connected, returned the fight to the canvas and resumed working from the controlling positions that favored him.
The champion could not establish a sustained striking fight
Makhachev’s top work prevented Della Maddalena from building the extended boxing exchanges he needed. Short punches and positional adjustments kept the contest physically demanding while limiting opportunities to escape.
The pattern continued across the distance. Rather than relying on a sudden submission or a single damaging exchange, Makhachev accumulated winning rounds through repeated control and well-timed transitions.
The shutout added welterweight gold to a lightweight legacy
Makhachev had previously won the UFC lightweight championship in October 2022 and defended it four times. The New York victory made him a champion in a second division after moving up to welterweight.
The unanimous totals reflected a successful twenty-five-minute assignment against the reigning titleholder. Della Maddalena completed the distance, but Makhachev’s ability to dictate position consistently denied him the kind of fight needed to retain the belt.
Sources
- MMA Fighting: early entries, scrambles and top control
- UFC: lightweight reign and welterweight championship victory
- UFC: date, venue and unanimous scores
