In a grappling clinic that etched his name deeper into UFC lore, Islam Makhachev claimed welterweight gold with a suffocating unanimous decision victory over champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The Dagestani phenom’s masterclass – tying Anderson Silva’s record with his 16th straight UFC win – propelled him into two-division stardom, leaving the 20,789-strong crowd roaring and the MMA world buzzing. This UFC 322 results headliner wasn’t just a title swap; it was a statement of supremacy, with Makhachev’s takedowns and control time (18:42) overwhelming Della Maddalena’s standup fireworks.
The Islam Makhachev welterweight title win caps a flawless 2025 for the 33-year-old, who moved up from lightweight on short notice after Belal Muhammad‘s injury. Judges scored it 50-45 across the board, reflecting Makhachev’s seven successful takedowns out of nine attempts and relentless ground-and-pound. “This is for Dagestan, for Khabib – now we build an empire,” Makhachev declared in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, calling out lightweight rival Arman Tsarukyan for a unification bout. Della Maddalena, the 28-year-old Aussie sensation, absorbed the loss graciously: “He’s the best grappler alive – I’ll be back stronger.”
UFC 322 Highlights: Makhachev’s Round-by-Round Domination Over Della Maddalena
The UFC 322 main event unfolded like a chess match in the cage, with Makhachev’s wrestling IQ checkmating Della Maddalena’s knockout power. Here’s the UFC 322 fight breakdown:
- Round 1: Makhachev feinted leg kicks before chaining a double-leg takedown at 1:45. Della Maddalena scrambled, but Makhachev transitioned to back control, raining short elbows until the bell. Score: 10-9 Makhachev.
- Round 2: Della Maddalena landed a sharp right hook early, but Makhachev absorbed it and countered with a blast double into half-guard. Ground strikes accumulated as the champ struggled to rise. Score: 20-18 Makhachev.
- Round 3: A Della Maddalena combo staggered Makhachev briefly, but the challenger shot low for a takedown into mount. Elbows from top sealed the round’s theft. Score: 30-27 Makhachev.
- Round 4: Makhachev’s body kicks slowed Della Maddalena’s output. Another takedown led to a near-kimura – the Aussie defended heroically but ate damage. Score: 40-36 Makhachev.
- Round 5: Fatigued, Della Maddalena swung for fences but missed; Makhachev ducked under for a final trip takedown, teasing a D’arce choke before cruising to victory.
Makhachev’s stats? A UFC-record 82% takedown accuracy in title fights, per UFC Stats. Della Maddalena connected on 45% of strikes but spent 62% of the fight on his back – a stark contrast to his pre-fight 78% striking defense.
UFC 322 Full Results: Shevchenko Shines, Prates Stuns Edwards in Upset KO
Beyond the main event, UFC 322 results delivered fireworks across the card, drawing a record $12.5 million gate and 1.2 million PPV buys. Key highlights:
- Women’s Flyweight Title: Valentina Shevchenko (24-3) def. Zhang Weili (25-4) via UD (50-45 x3) – “Bullet” defended with Muay Thai knees and BJJ control, outstriking Zhang 142-89.
- Welterweight: Carlos Prates (21-6) def. Leon Edwards (22-4) via KO (Round 2, 1:28) – Prates’ left hand flattened the ex-champ – his 10th UFC KO vaults him to contention.
- Welterweight: Michael Morales (17-0) def. Sean Brady (17-2) via TKO (Round 1, 3:27) – Morales’ overhand dropped Brady for the early stoppage; callout for Shavkat Rakhmonov.
- Lightweight: Benoît Saint Denis (14-3) def. Beneil Dariush (22-7) via KO (Round 1, 0:16) – Saint Denis avenged a loss with a clinch uppercut KO.
- Prelims Standouts: Bo Nickal (6-0) KOs Rodolfo Vieira (Round 3); Erin Blanchfield (13-2) subs Tracy Cortez (Round 2).
What’s Next for Makhachev? Two-Division Defense and Superfight Buzz
Makhachev’s UFC 322 welterweight title grab ignites superfight speculation: A lightweight return vs. Charles Oliveira or a welterweight clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov. UFC CEO Dana White teased: “Islam’s on another level – expect him headlining UFC 330 in Abu Dhabi.” For Della Maddalena, a rematch or Colby Covington bout looms to reclaim gold.
Fans are raving about UFC 322 full highlights on YouTube and ESPN+, with Makhachev’s takedown montage trending worldwide. As 2025’s stacked schedule rolls on – UFC 323 in Vegas next – Makhachev’s reign promises chaos. Who’s next for the Dagestani king?
Relive the action on UFC Fight Pass or ESPN+. Drop your UFC 322 reaction below – Makhachev GOAT or overrated?
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