At Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025, Islam Makhachev delivered a decisive, one-sided victory over Jack Della Maddalena to become UFC welterweight champion. All three judges scored the fight 50-45, and Makhachev controlled every round with takedowns, top pressure and effective striking. The win marked his move up from lightweight, tied his 16-fight UFC winning streak with Anderson Silva, and made him the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold belts in two weight classes. The card also featured Valentina Shevchenko defeating Zhang Weili by the same 50-45 margin in the co-main event.
Key takeaways
- Result: Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision, scores 50-45, 50-45, 50-45 on November 15, 2025 at Madison Square Garden.
- Two-division champion: Makhachev, now 28-1, became the 11th fighter in UFC history to win titles in two divisions after moving up 15 pounds.
- Dominant stats: Makhachev landed 140 of 188 strikes (74% accuracy) across 25 minutes; Della Maddalena landed 30 total strikes.
- Winning streak: The victory extended Makhachev’s run to 16 consecutive wins, tying Anderson Silva for the longest streak in UFC history.
- Co-main event: Valentina Shevchenko defeated Zhang Weili by unanimous decision, also via three 50-45 cards.
- Main-card finishes: Notable stoppages included Michael Morales TKOing Sean Brady and Carlos Prates knocking out Leon Edwards.
- Game plan: Makhachev employed repeated single-leg takedowns, top control, calf kicks and heavy ground-and-pound to neutralize Della Maddalena’s striking.
Background
Islam Makhachev arrived at UFC 322 with a sterling lightweight résumé, including wins over Alexander Volkanovski, Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier. He had set a new benchmark earlier in 2025 for most consecutive lightweight title defenses with four, and he vacated that belt to pursue two-division gold. Jack Della Maddalena earned the welterweight title by dethroning Belal Muhammad and came into Madison Square Garden known for crisp boxing and solid scrambling defense.
The matchup carried narrative weight as Makhachev sought to follow the path of legendary multi-division champions while also stepping out of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s shadow; Makhachev and Nurmagomedov are long-time training partners. Promoters leaned into the stylistic clash of a high-level grappler moving up in weight against a polished, technical striker who favors range and boxing-heavy offense. The fight also served as a measuring stick for cross-division viability in modern UFC matchmaking.
Main event
The bell opened and Makhachev quickly established his physical advantage, firing calf kicks and slipping into a single-leg takedown within the opening minutes. From there he spent the first round and every subsequent round pressing Della Maddalena to the mat, controlling position and landing elbows and short punches from top position. Della Maddalena attempted scrambles and occasional standup bursts but rarely sustained offense while on top.
Round after round, the pattern repeated: Makhachev would chop the leg, close distance, secure takedowns and transition to half guard or back control. He frequently hunted submissions while also cutting down striking output with heavy positional pressure. Della Maddalena showed moments of resistance and scramble escapes but looked increasingly drained by Round 3, with his corner visibly deflated between rounds.
Statistically the story was decisive. Over five rounds Makhachev landed 140 of 188 total strikes, an efficient 74 percent connect rate, while Della Maddalena landed only 30 strikes for the fight. Judges rewarded the sustained control and offensive output with three identical 50-45 cards, underscoring how lopsided the contest was on scorecards.
Analysis & implications
Makhachev’s immediate claim on the welterweight title reshapes the divisional landscape. He demonstrated that his wrestling and top control translate up 15 pounds, using strength and positional dominance to thin out the challenger pool at 170 pounds. For the UFC, a champion who is credible across multiple divisions strengthens potential marquee matchups and pay-per-view appeal.
For Makhachev personally, the victory cements his place among the sport’s elite. At 34 with a second belt in hand and signature wins at lightweight, he now has a legitimate argument for all-time consideration if he sustains this level. The tie with Anderson Silva for a 16-fight win streak highlights his sustained excellence, though comparisons to other legends should remain contextualized by era and competition.
For welterweight contenders, the path to Makhachev will require answers to his grappling-centric blueprint. Fighters who rely primarily on striking must either keep distance successfully for five rounds or develop improved takedown defense and scrambling that can blunt his positional work. Matchmakers will also weigh potential superfights, unifications or pay-per-view headliners against long-term divisional stability.
Comparison & data
| Metric | Islam Makhachev | Jack Della Maddalena |
|---|---|---|
| Record entering bout | 28-1 | 18-3 |
| Scorecards | 50-45, 50-45, 50-45 | 50-45, 50-45, 50-45 |
| Total strikes landed | 140 of 188 (74%) | 30 |
| Consecutive wins | 16 | — |
The table highlights how Makhachev outpaced Della Maddalena in every measurable category. His 74 percent strike accuracy over five rounds is particularly notable for a wrestler who also prioritized takedowns and control. The numbers reinforce that the verdict was more than a stylistic preference by judges; it reflected measurable dominance across strikes, control time and successful offensive attempts.
Reactions & quotes
Shortly after the decision, Makhachev reflected on the accomplishment and the pathway that led him here. His comments emphasized preparation and a known game plan rather than surprise at the result.
This is the dream, all my life for these two belts. The belt’s heavy and I like it.
Islam Makhachev
Valentina Shevchenko, whose dominant co-main performance set the tone for the night, also addressed the outcome and her own move between divisions.
I used wrestling and pressure to control the fight; I came to win and I did that tonight.
Valentina Shevchenko
Commentators and analysts noted the historical implications, pointing to Makhachev’s tied 16-fight streak and two-division status as career-defining achievements.
He has quietly become one of the most complete fighters on the roster, and tonight confirmed he can carry that anywhere.
Broadcast analyst
Unconfirmed
- Future opponent plans: Reports that Makhachev will immediately target top 170-pound names are circulating but not officially confirmed by the UFC or the fighter’s team.
- Weight-class permanence: It is unconfirmed whether Makhachev will remain at welterweight long term or attempt to reclaim the lightweight belt in the future.
Bottom line
Islam Makhachev’s unanimous decision win at UFC 322 was not a narrow victory but an emphatic demonstration that his elite grappling translates up a division. The 50-45 sweep on all three cards, combined with 140 strikes landed and sustained control, leave little dispute about who dictated the fight. He now holds belts in two weight classes and sits atop a 16-fight win streak that ties UFC history.
The broader implications are significant: matchmakers have a marketable two-division champion, opponents must adapt or risk similar fates, and Makhachev’s legacy trajectory points toward serious all-time consideration if he sustains this level. For fans and analysts, the immediate question becomes which challengers can realistically counter his takedown-heavy blueprint at 170 pounds.
Sources
- Yahoo Sports live coverage — media report with round-by-round updates and stats
- UFC event page — official event information and results