Islam Makhachev “crushed” Jack Della Maddalena after a completely dominant performance.

The highly anticipated showdown between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena ended with an emphatic statement from the reigning UFC lightweight champion. In front of a roaring crowd, Makhachev delivered a completely dominant performance, systematically dismantling the Australian challenger and leaving no doubt about his status as one of the most formidable fighters in the sport today.

From the opening horn to the final exchange, the fight was a masterclass in pressure, control, and precision. Della Maddalena had entered the bout with confidence, even publicly declaring that he wasn’t afraid of Makhachev. But once the cage door closed, it was clear that the champion had no intention of giving his opponent even a moment to breathe.

The Fight Breakdown – Round by Round

Round 1 began with both fighters testing range, but Makhachev wasted no time closing the distance. He feinted strikes before shooting in for a lightning-fast takedown, driving Della Maddalena to the canvas with trademark precision. From there, the Dagestani champion immediately advanced to half guard, applying heavy top pressure that forced the challenger into defensive mode.

Della Maddalena attempted to create space and work his way back to his feet, but every movement was met with Makhachev’s suffocating control. The champion landed short elbows and body shots while neutralizing any offense from the Australian. By the end of the first round, the message was clear – this was Makhachev’s world, and Della Maddalena was struggling to survive in it.

Round 2 showcased Makhachev’s evolving striking game. He mixed crisp southpaw jabs with powerful left kicks to the body, forcing Della Maddalena to drop his guard just enough for Makhachev to change levels. Another perfectly timed takedown led to immediate guard passing, and within moments, Makhachev had mounted his opponent. The crowd erupted as he unleashed a barrage of ground-and-pound strikes that had the referee watching closely.

Although Della Maddalena showed incredible toughness, the momentum was entirely in Makhachev’s favor. Every time the challenger tried to reset, the champion dragged him back into the deep waters of grappling exchanges.

Round 3 removed any lingering doubts. Makhachev once again closed the distance, feinting high before landing a clean double-leg takedown. This time, the champion transitioned smoothly to the back, locking in a body triangle that immobilized Della Maddalena. With methodical precision, Makhachev softened his opponent with punches before slipping his arm under the chin and securing a rear-naked choke.

The tap came quickly, ending the fight in dominant fashion and marking yet another submission victory for the Dagestani champion.

A Statement to the Division

This win wasn’t just another title defense – it was a statement. Makhachev showed once again why he’s considered one of the most complete fighters in MMA, blending elite wrestling, suffocating top control, and ever-improving striking into a nearly unbeatable package.

By crushing a dangerous contender like Della Maddalena, Makhachev sent a message to the rest of the lightweight division: if you step into the Octagon with him, you must be prepared for a fight in every single area – and even then, survival is not guaranteed.

Della Maddalena’s Struggles

For Della Maddalena, the fight was a harsh reality check. Coming in, he was widely praised for his crisp boxing, devastating body shots, and composure under pressure. However, none of those weapons found consistent success against Makhachev’s relentless pace.

Every time he tried to set his feet for a combination, Makhachev was either in his face with strikes or shooting for a takedown. The Australian’s takedown defense, which had been a key focus in his camp, simply wasn’t enough to stop the champion’s chain wrestling.

Still, Della Maddalena showed heart by refusing to quit until the submission was locked in. Many fighters have crumbled earlier under similar pressure, but he pushed back for as long as possible.

The Champion’s Mindset

After the fight, Makhachev spoke with calm confidence. “I said before – I respect all my opponents, but once we’re in the cage, it’s my time,” the champion said. “I train to dominate, not just win. Tonight, I showed again that I am the best in the world.”

His humility mixed with quiet certainty has become a trademark, and fans have come to expect this kind of controlled, professional approach.

What’s Next for Islam Makhachev?

The question now is who can realistically challenge Makhachev. Names like Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and even a potential superfight with welterweight champion Leon Edwards have been floated. However, with each dominant performance, the list of fighters who believe they can beat him grows shorter.

Given his ability to neutralize even elite opponents, any future challenger will need a near-perfect game plan – and perhaps the fight of their life – to dethrone him.

What This Means for the Lightweight Division

Makhachev’s reign has created a unique situation in the UFC lightweight division. While other champions have had moments of vulnerability, Makhachev has consistently shut down the strengths of his opponents, leaving analysts to wonder if his era could mirror the dominance of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

For contenders like Della Maddalena, this fight is a reminder of the gap that still exists between the champion and the rest of the pack. While striking-heavy fighters have had moments against Makhachev, none have managed to sustain enough offense to truly threaten him.

Final Thoughts

Islam Makhachev’s crushing win over Jack Della Maddalena wasn’t just another victory – it was a masterclass in complete MMA domination. From the first takedown to the final choke, the champion controlled every moment, dismantling a dangerous challenger and reinforcing his position at the very top of the sport.

For fans, the fight was another example of why Makhachev is considered one of the most complete and disciplined fighters in UFC history. For future challengers, it was a stark warning: against Islam Makhachev, there’s no margin for error.

If this is the standard he continues to set, the lightweight belt might be staying in Dagestan for a very long time.