Islam Makhachev dominated UFC 322 in New York by shutting out Jack Della Maddalena and becoming a two-division champion, adding the welterweight title to his lightweight belt. He controlled nearly the entire fight with relentless wrestling, finishing with almost 20 minutes of top control and tying Anderson Silva’s UFC record of 16 straight wins. This victory fulfilled a prediction made years earlier by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who trained both Khabib and Makhachev from childhood.
Makhachev dominated the fight with nonstop wrestling pressure, keeping Della on the canvas for more than 18 minutes. Della had no answers and looked mentally drained by the later rounds. Reporters like Ariel Helwani noted that Makhachev didn’t just defeat him physically but also broke him mentally. Commentator John Anik said Della looked “listless,” something never seen from him before.
Makhachev, now 34, knows he is entering the final stretch of his prime and is focused on building his legacy, breaking records, and taking only the biggest fights. After the win, he carried both belts into the press room, smiling as he said, “Usually I bring one. Now I bring two.”
Jack Della Maddalena’s coach, Ben Vickers, shared an emotional message after his heavy loss to Islam at UFC 322. He said the defeat “hurts like hell” but praised Della for daring to dream and taking the challenge. Vickers said he was proud of his fighter and the entire team, thanking supporters and stressing that this loss is only the beginning, not the end.
Conor McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, said he was shocked by how strong Makhachev felt at welterweight, with even Della admitting he did not expect that level of power.
Who should Islam Makhachev fight next?
Islam Makhachev has several strong options for his next opponent after dominating Della Maddalena at UFC 322. The best and most natural matchup is Shavkat Rakhmonov, an undefeated welterweight with 18 finishes in 19 wins. He has been inactive in 2025, which makes it harder to pick him right away, but his record and his win against Ian Machado Garry make him the strongest choice.
If the UFC prefers someone more active, Michael Morales becomes the leading choice. He is unbeaten at 19-0 and is coming off a big knockout win over Sean Brady, plus earlier victories over Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny. His activity and momentum make him a legitimate and easier-to-sell contender.
A third option is Kamaru Usman, who returned to welterweight with a convincing win over Joaquin Buckley. His name value and championship legacy still carry weight. At 38, this could be one of his last chances to chase another title, making him a viable contender if the UFC wants a veteran matchup.
Who do Fans want Islam Makachev to fight next?
Fans don’t agree with Makhachev’s plan to fight Kamaru Usman next. In a large Bloody Elbow fan poll held after UFC 322, almost 40% of voters chose Ilia Topuria as the opponent they want to see next, pushing for a champion-vs-champion super-fight instead of a welterweight defense.
Shavkat Rakhmonov finished second with a little over 20% of the votes, making him the top-ranked welterweight choice despite his year of inactivity. Usman, the matchup Makhachev wants, came in third with about 18%.
Michael Morales received just over 11%, the winner of Belal Muhammad vs Ian Machado Garry got around 6%, and Carlos Prates, despite his knockout win at UFC 322, finished last with under 5%.
Overall, the fans’ message was clear: the most wanted fight is Makhachev vs Topuria, not Makhachev vs. Usman.
FAQs
Q. Is Islam Makhachev a double champ?
A. Yes. Makhachev became a double champion after winning the welterweight title.
Q. Who was Islam Makhachev’s toughest opponent?
A. Makhachev considers Jack Della Maddalena one of his toughest opponents.
Q. What is Islam Makhachev’s UFC record?
A. Makhachev has a record of 28–1. He also tied the UFC record with 16 straight wins.
Q. Who is Islam Makhachev’s only loss against?
A. Makhachev’s only loss came against Brazilian fighter Adriano Martins in October 2015.
Get UFC Event Updates & MMA Fixtures at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Facebook & Instagram.
