Makhachev earned scores of 50-45 on all three scorecards in a total shutout victory, as he wrestled and grappled his way to a unanimous decision victory in one of the cleanest, clearest victories of his UFC career as he joined the elite group of fighters who have captured UFC world titles in two different weight classes.
The Final Verdict: Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev
Makhachev looked outstanding at his new weight class
Heading into the bout, many of the big question marks were over how Makhachev would look at the bigger weight class, and how he would fare carrying an extra 15 pounds. In short, he looked superb.
Without the stresses of a tough weight cut, Makhachev looked much healthier in the Octagon, and he looked incredibly comfortable in there as he completely dominated Della Maddalena en route to victory, and the welterweight crown.
THE BEST IN THE WORLD 👑
[ #VeChain #UFC322 | @MAKHACHEVMMA ] pic.twitter.com/WasIyKLNXu
— UFC (@ufc) November 16, 2025
Makhachev’s takedowns and grappling demoralised Della Maddalena
Della Maddalena started aggressively on the feet, but as soon as Makhachev landed the first takedown and shut him down for the rest of the first round, the Russian took over, and Della Maddalena never got back into the fight.
With Makhachev seemingly able to hit a takedown on the Australian at will, It was simply a case of when, rather than if the former lightweight champion could take the defending welterweight champ to the mat. And with the action on the ground, Makhachev simply big brothered the Aussie, who seemingly had nothing for the Russian on the mat.
And even when he was spurred on for a last-round onslaught by his corner, his forward pressure lasted only a few seconds before Makhachev took him down with ease.
What’s next for Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena?
Makhachev takes over the title at the top of the welterweight division at an exciting time for the 170-pound class.
On the same fight card in New York, Michael Morales positioned himself for a possible shot at the title with a brilliant finish of Sean Brady, while Brazili’s Carlos Prates knocked out former champion Leon Edwards with one punch to stake his claim. Then there’s Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov, who both have legitimate claims for a title shot, and former champions Belal Muhammad and Kamaru Usman, who also want to get back in the title mix again. The options are plentiful for the new champion.
As for Della Maddalena, it looks like he’s got a hard route back to the top of the division as he looks to rest and recover his injuries from Saturday night’s fight, then set about the job of working his way back into title contention again.
UFC 322: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Islam Makhachev def. Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) – for welterweight title
- Valentina Shevchenko def. Zhang Weili via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) – for women’s flyweight title
- Michael Morales def. Sean Brady via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:27
- Carlos Prates def. Leon Edwards via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 1:28
- Benoît Saint Denis def. Beneil Dariush via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:16
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Bo Nickal def. Rodolfo Vieira via knockout (head kick) – Round 3, 2:24
- Gregory Rodrigues def. Roman Kopylov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Erin Blanchfield def. Tracy Cortez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:44
- Ethyn Ewing def. Malcolm Wellmaker via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
EARLY PRELIMS
- Kyle Daukaus def. Gerald Meerschaert via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 1, 0:50
- Pat Sabatini def. Chepe Mariscal via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Fatima Kline def. Angela Hill via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
- Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric McConico via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 1:38
- Matheus Camilo def. Viacheslav Borshchev via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
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