The highly anticipated clash between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena finally took place, and the result left little room for debate. The Dagestani fighter, already hailed as one of the most dominant forces in mixed martial arts, once again proved his superiority inside the Octagon. Makhachev’s blend of elite grappling, iron will, and growing striking arsenal overwhelmed Maddalena, securing a statement victory that not only silenced doubters but also underscored his ambitions of becoming a two-division great.
The Build-Up to a Mega-Fight
This matchup had captured global attention long before the cage doors closed. Maddalena, the talented Australian who rose to fame with his sharp boxing and relentless pace, shocked the MMA world when he dethroned Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title. But almost immediately, questions surfaced about whether he could withstand the storm that a seasoned and battle-tested fighter like Makhachev would bring.
On the other side, Makhachev’s decision to vacate his lightweight belt in pursuit of welterweight gold carried enormous intrigue. Following in the footsteps of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, but aiming to go one step further by capturing a second championship, Makhachev entered the bout with unshakable confidence and a clear mission. For him, this was not just about another fight—it was about cementing his legacy.
Early Moments: Maddalena Shows Spirit
When the fight began, Maddalena came out with intent. His jab was crisp, his footwork steady, and he looked determined to test Makhachev on the feet. In the opening exchanges, the Australian even found some success, catching Makhachev with a clean right hand and forcing him to respect the striking. Maddalena’s boxing combinations, backed by his natural power, briefly gave fans hope that this could turn into a competitive affair.
But as has been the case with so many Makhachev opponents, that hope was short-lived.
Makhachev’s Pressure and Control
Midway through the first round, Makhachev timed Maddalena’s rhythm perfectly and shot for a takedown. What followed was a masterclass in control. Once Maddalena hit the canvas, Makhachev suffocated him with top pressure, pinning his hips and landing heavy ground-and-pound. Maddalena’s vaunted boxing was neutralized, and his attempts to scramble free only exposed him to more punishment.
In round two, the same story unfolded. Maddalena’s spirit never wavered, but every strike he threw came with the risk of being countered by Makhachev’s relentless grappling. The Dagestani champion mixed in body locks, trips, and level changes, keeping Maddalena guessing and draining his gas tank. By the end of the second round, the difference in class was apparent.
The Finishing Sequence
The finish came in spectacular fashion. In the third round, Makhachev secured another takedown, transitioned smoothly to the back, and locked in a rear-naked choke. Maddalena fought bravely, trying to peel the hands and resist the squeeze, but the pressure was too much. Moments later, he tapped, giving Makhachev yet another submission victory to add to his already impressive resume.
What This Means for Islam Makhachev
With this dominant win, Makhachev has achieved what many considered unthinkable—he successfully moved up in weight and looked just as dominant as he did at lightweight. His victory over Maddalena places him firmly in the conversation for the pound-for-pound number one spot, surpassing even some of the sport’s long-standing champions.
The win also opens the door to massive future fights. Whether it’s defending his new welterweight belt against top contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman, or revisiting lightweight for a superfight with someone like Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev now holds the cards.
What’s Next for Jack Della Maddalena?
For Maddalena, this defeat is a hard pill to swallow. His rise through the UFC ranks had been meteoric, and his title win cemented him as a star. However, facing an opponent as dominant as Makhachev exposed gaps in his game, particularly in wrestling defense and grappling escapes. That said, Maddalena is still young, still dangerous, and has plenty of time to rebound. Facing other welterweight contenders could allow him to regroup and eventually work his way back to title contention.
The Bigger Picture
Makhachev’s performance was more than just a win—it was a message. He showed that his dominance is not limited to one division, and that his name now belongs alongside the greatest multi-division fighters in UFC history. Fans who once doubted his ability to transition successfully now have undeniable proof of his versatility.
For Maddalena, this fight will serve as a valuable learning experience. Though he lost decisively, sharing the cage with someone of Makhachev’s caliber could help him refine his skills and elevate his future performances.
Conclusion
The result leaves no doubt: Islam Makhachev was simply too strong for Jack Della Maddalena. From the first takedown to the final choke, Makhachev’s superiority was undeniable. This victory not only secures his place among the greatest fighters of his era but also sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in his career. As for Maddalena, this setback may slow his momentum, but it does not erase the talent and potential that made him a champion in the first place.
When history looks back at this night, it will be remembered as the moment Islam Makhachev solidified his reign of dominance across divisions, proving once again why he is one of the most feared men in all of mixed martial arts.
