In one of the most anticipated matchups of the year, Islam Makhachev once again proved why he is the most dominant grappler in MMA today. The reigning UFC lightweight champion systematically dismantled rising contender Jack Della Maddalena, forcing a tap in the second round with a brutal rear-naked choke that left no doubt about the gap in their ground games.

It was billed as striker vs. grappler — and in classic fashion, the grappler won.

Della’s Hype Meets Reality

Jack Della Maddalena entered this fight riding a wave of momentum. Known for his crisp boxing, devastating body shots, and relentless pace, the Australian was seen as a dark horse to dethrone Makhachev. After racking up impressive finishes and climbing the welterweight ranks, he was granted a shot at Makhachev in a 155-lb superfight showdown.

But as the octagon door closed, it became clear: Della Maddalena was in unfamiliar waters.

In the first round, he came out strong, throwing sharp combinations and working behind his jab. For a brief moment, the crowd held its breath as Della landed a clean left hook. But Makhachev, ever composed, simply absorbed the shot, circled out, and initiated what would become a grappling clinic.

Makhachev’s Ground Game: Unrelenting and Unforgiving

It started with a perfectly timed double-leg takedown in the final minute of the first round. Della tried to scramble, but Makhachev immediately transitioned to mount, forced him to give up his back, and ended the round threatening with a rear-naked choke. It was a warning of what was to come.

In the second round, Makhachev wasted no time. He shot under a Della jab, picked him up, and slammed him to the canvas. This time, there was no escape.

Makhachev flowed like water — from half-guard to side control, then to mount. Della tried to roll, but Makhachev was already a step ahead. Within seconds, he had the hooks in and his arms wrapped tightly around Della’s neck. The tap came at 3:04 of Round 2, and with it, any doubt about who rules the ground in the UFC was erased.

A Champion Who Keeps Evolving

This wasn’t just about winning — it was about dominance.

Islam Makhachev now holds wins over Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Jack Della Maddalena — each showcasing a different weapon in his arsenal. Against Oliveira, he dominated a fellow grappling savant. Against Volkanovski, he showcased his striking. And against Della? He brought it all back to where it started: Dagestani wrestling fused with clinical jiu-jitsu.

After the fight, Makhachev addressed the crowd with calm confidence:

“Jack is tough. He’s got power, and I respect that. But on the ground, nobody can stop me. I’m the best in the world.”

It’s hard to argue. At this point, Makhachev looks nearly unbeatable. His fight IQ, timing, and positional awareness are unmatched. He never wastes energy. He doesn’t panic. He simply drags you into deep waters and drowns you.

Della’s Setback — But Not the End

While this loss is a major blow to Jack Della Maddalena, it’s not the end of his rise. Facing Makhachev exposed his greatest weakness: grappling under elite pressure. But many great fighters — including Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and even Charles Oliveira — have experienced similar lessons.

Della acknowledged the loss with grace:

“He was the better man tonight. I knew the risk coming in. I’ll learn, I’ll grow, and I’ll be back.”

There’s no doubt the Australian possesses top-tier striking and toughness. But now, if he wants to truly contend again, he’ll need to go back to the lab and sharpen his wrestling defense and submission escapes. A move back to welterweight might also be on the horizon.

What’s Next for Makhachev?

The question now turns to what’s next for Islam Makhachev. With wins over nearly every top contender, he’s running out of challengers in the lightweight division. Fans are clamoring for a move to 170 lbs, possibly to face Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad, or even a dream bout against Kamaru Usman.

Dana White hinted in the post-fight press conference that a title defense at UFC 300 or a champion-vs-champion superfight could be in the works.

“Islam’s on another level,” White said. “We’re looking at all the options, but this guy’s a problem no matter the weight class.”

Final Word: Grappling Reigns Supreme

In a sport often dominated by striking highlights and one-punch knockouts, Islam Makhachev reminded everyone why grappling remains the most terrifying and controlling skill in MMA. Jack Della Maddalena came to fight — and he did — but he couldn’t overcome the force of Makhachev’s pressure, positioning, and suffocating pace.

It wasn’t just a submission — it was a statement.

The message is clear: If you step into the cage with Islam Makhachev, be prepared to wrestle with a man who has mastered the art of control, and knows exactly when to strike — and when to choke.

Jack Della came to challenge the throne, but like so many before him, he left humbled, tapped, and breathless.