How to Analyze Makhachev’s UFC 322 Victory Over Maddalena

The Ultimate Fighting Championship witnessed a historic changing of the guard. Islam Makhachev cemented his status as the undisputed best fighter in the world. He utterly dominated Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 322. The Dagestani superstar was relentless. He utilized his world-class grappling to control the Australian. The final result was a clear unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45). This victory was a monumental achievement. It made Makhachev the 11th two-division champion in UFC history. Furthermore, it signaled a new era of dominance in the 170-pound division.

The Two-Division Dream: History is Made at MSG UFC

The atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden was electric. Fans watched as Makhachev attempted to join the most exclusive club in the sport. The former lightweight champion vacated his 155-pound belt earlier this year. He committed fully to the quest for welterweight gold.

An Exclusive Club

Makhachev’s victory was comprehensive. It confirmed his successful transition to the heavier weight class. He is now one of only 11 fighters in UFC history to hold belts in two divisions. This group includes legends like Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes. Makhachev tied another significant record. He matched Hall of Famer Anderson Silva’s all-time record with his 16th consecutive UFC victory. This incredible run stretches back nearly a decade. The sheer magnitude of the achievement puts Makhachev squarely in the conversation for the greatest of all time (GOAT). He told Joe Rogan after the fight that “This is a dream. All my life I’ve fought for this.”

Size Was Not an Issue

A major question before the fight was size. Makhachev was stepping up to face a natural, larger welterweight. However, the Dagestani looked strong and comfortable at the 170-pound weigh-in. He revealed that fighting without the grueling weight cut was liberating. It stated that he felt healthy and energized. He confessed to making the fight look “so easy” because he no longer worried about his energy levels. This enhanced stamina allowed him to maintain his suffocating pressure throughout the championship rounds. It neutralized any size advantage the champion might have held.

The Grappling Masterclass: A 50-45 Scorecard UFC

The fight flow was dictated entirely by Islam Makhachev’s superior grappling technique and strategy. He rendered Della Maddalena’s vaunted striking moot.

Control Time and Takedowns

The 50-45 scorecards reflected the utter one-sided dominance. Makhachev secured multiple takedowns in every round. He established control almost immediately upon hitting the mat. Statistics show that Makhachev accumulated over 18 minutes of ground control time in the 25-minute fight. This is a diabolical number. It left the striking champion with virtually no time to operate on his feet. Makhachev’s top pressure was relentless. He transitioned between submissions, ground-and-pound, and position advancements. Della Maddalena showed immense grit by avoiding being finished. However, he was unable to reverse the momentum or find a way back to his feet.

Calf Kicks Neutralize Striking

Even when the fight remained briefly on the feet, Makhachev employed a sophisticated, damaging strategy. He consistently hammered Della Maddalena’s right calf with punishing kicks. Joe Rogan noted the visual damage. He surmised that the calf was in “absolute agony.” The accumulation of damage severely compromised the champion’s mobility. This forced Della Maddalena to constantly switch his stance. This restricted his lateral movement. It made him an easier target for Makhachev’s takedown attempts. Consequently, the combination of damaging calf kicks and smothering wrestling completely neutralized the world-class boxing of the Australian.

The Challenger’s Frustration: Della Maddalena Neutralized UFC

Jack Della Maddalena entered the bout with a perfect 8-0 UFC record. He was riding an 18-fight professional winning streak. The loss was his first since 2016.

Unable to Implement the Game Plan UFC

Della Maddalena’s plan was simple. He aimed to keep the fight standing. He wanted to use his superior striking to find the knockout. Makhachev’s dominance meant the champion was never able to implement his plan. He was unable to find the necessary space or time to string together his powerful combinations. The psychological toll of constantly defending takedowns and being flattened on his back was immense. The champion tried to follow his corner’s advice. He attempted to create scrambles and stand up. However, every attempt was met by Makhachev’s overwhelming strength and technical superiority. The fight was a clear lesson in the hierarchy of MMA skills.

Immediate Backlash and Criticism

The champion faced swift criticism after the defeat. Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, a rival of Makhachev, publicly slammed the performance. Topuria claimed that Della Maddalena was “a disappointment of a champion.” He asserted that the Australian needed an entire camp “dedicated just to wrestling.” Della Maddalena himself did not offer comment after the fight. He left the Octagon immediately after the scores were announced. His silence reflected the crushing finality of the defeat.

The Double Champion’s Future UFC

Islam Makhachev’s dominant 50-45 victory over Jack Della Maddalena confirmed his place in the annals of MMA history. He has successfully added the welterweight title to his lightweight crown. He is now the most dominant force in the sport. The two-division champion immediately signaled his intentions. He plans to stay at 170 pounds. He called for the UFC to stage a fight in Washington, D.C. This opens a new and exciting chapter for the welterweight division. Contenders like Michael Morales and Carlos Prates, who secured stunning knockouts on the undercard, are lining up. UFC

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