In a historic night at Madison Square Garden, Islam Makhachev cemented his legacy as one of the greatest grapplers in UFC history. With a flawless, suffocating performance against Jack Della Maddalena, the Russian star claimed the UFC welterweight title, becoming the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold belts in multiple divisions — and the first to do so under the tutelage of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
A Legacy Fulfilled: The Vision of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov Comes True
As UFC president Dana White read out three 50–45 scorecards, Khabib Nurmagomedov ran toward the octagon with a smile, asking if he could drape both championship belts over his childhood friend. White agreed.
Moments later, Khabib jokingly whacked Makhachev over the head with both belts.
“I think he took more damage getting the belts than he did in the fight,”
— Dana White
The moment was symbolic. Decades earlier, Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, had predicted this exact future: Khabib would dominate first, then Islam would rise behind him and continue the dynasty.
Today, the pair hold a combined professional record of 57–1 — a run unmatched in modern MMA.
A Masterclass in Control: How Makhachev Neutralized Jack Della Maddalena
Makhachev’s victory over Della Maddalena was quintessential Islam:
relentless pressure, airtight wrestling, and absolute top control.
Within the first minute, he shot for a takedown and kept the Aussie contender glued to the canvas for nearly the entire round. Across five rounds, he piled up:
- ~20 minutes of control time
- 4 successful takedowns (100% accuracy)
- Multiple submission threats
- Ground-and-pound that broke Della Maddalena’s rhythm and breathing
The Australian striker, who had previously held his own against elite grapplers like Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad, found no escape this time.
“When I took him down the first time, I felt it would be a long night,”
— Islam Makhachev
The win tied Anderson Silva’s record for the longest winning streak in UFC history (16).
Feeling Stronger at Welterweight: “I’ve Never Felt Like This Before”
Moving up 15 pounds didn’t slow Makhachev — it supercharged him.
“I feel more power, more confident when I strike, when I move,” he said.
“I feel like I can control anyone on the ground.”
With fewer pounds to cut and a more natural frame at 170, Makhachev looked fresher, stronger, and more explosive than during his lightweight reign.
The Dynamics of Size — And Why It Didn’t Matter Here
Earlier in the night, fans watched Valentina Shevchenko dominate Weili Zhang, demonstrating the importance of size in MMA. But Makhachev is a different breed — a generational grappler whose technique, pressure, and fight IQ transcend weight classes.
Where Della Maddalena used to create scrambles and escape with fluidity, Makhachev shut every door before it opened.
Every takedown attempt was not a single act — it was a chain of attacks, one flowing into the next.
Dana White: “Islam Made It Look Easy”
Despite bookmakers labeling Della Maddalena an underdog, White expected a tougher fight.
“Jack’s a tough kid. I thought it would be a lot closer,” White said.
“Hats off to Islam for dominating.”
The performance reshapes the welterweight landscape, especially as contenders like Ian Garry, Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and rising KO machine Carlos Prates jostle for position.
What’s Next? Usman, Rakhmonov, Garry — or Something Bigger
With Kamaru Usman seated front row and shown repeatedly on the broadcast, speculation grows that the former welterweight king could be next.
Even White, Khabib, and Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz hinted at it.
Why?
- It’s a legacy fight
- Usman is the second-greatest welterweight ever
- Makhachev wants that name on his résumé
- The UFC wants a big, recognizable matchup
Shavkat Rakhmonov’s return and Ian Garry’s next performance could also shape the title picture — but none carry Usman’s immediate star power.
The Endgame: A Superfight With Ilia Topuria?
At 34, Makhachev is closer to the end of his prime than the beginning. The UFC will want big fights, big names, and big moments. That road may one day lead to a massive superfight with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Not yet — but inevitably.
The Moment: “Now, I Bring Two”
After the fight, Makhachev set both belts on the podium—first lightweight, then welterweight. He admired them with a rare smile, as Khabib watched from the back, replaying highlights on his phone.
“Usually, I bring one belt,” Makhachev said.
“Now, I bring two.”
A dynasty continues. A new chapter begins.
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