There’s no doubt about it – Makhachev proved why he’s the absolute ruler!

Islam Makhachev once again showed the world why he is the most dominant force in mixed martial arts by decisively defeating Jack Della Maddalena in what many predicted would be his toughest challenge yet. Under the blinding lights of Madison Square Garden, Makhachev made history by stepping up a division and dismantling a dangerous opponent in his own weight class. This fight wasn’t just a title bout—it was a defining moment that reminded everyone who truly sits at the top of the MMA food chain.

Coming into the bout, Jack Della Maddalena was riding a tidal wave of momentum. After capturing the UFC welterweight title at UFC 315 with an emphatic win over Belal Muhammad, he was seen as a rising star—a hard-hitting Aussie striker with the confidence and skill to challenge anyone. But standing across from him was a different kind of challenge: a man with no equal in terms of tactical intelligence, relentless grappling, and composure under pressure.

A New Weight, Same Results

What made this fight so intriguing was the weight class jump. Makhachev, the former lightweight champion, had relinquished his belt earlier in 2025 and announced his intention to move up. Many doubted whether his grappling-heavy style would translate well against physically bigger opponents. Maddalena, known for his sharp boxing and excellent takedown defense, was expected to test those limits. But when the Octagon door shut, Islam Makhachev imposed his will from the opening bell.

The first round saw Makhachev executing his game plan to perfection. He immediately closed the distance, nullifying Maddalena’s jab and working for clinches. It didn’t take long before Makhachev scored his first takedown, smoothly transitioning to top control and keeping the Aussie pinned. While Maddalena remained composed, he struggled to mount any offense.

By round two, the difference in fight IQ and octagon control became painfully obvious. Makhachev avoided damage, mixed in timely strikes, and smothered Maddalena with chain wrestling and positional dominance. Any attempt by Jack to get into a rhythm was stifled. The Aussie’s footwork and counter-punching were ineffective against Makhachev’s relentless pressure.

Statement Victory

The third round brought the fight to a climax. After another takedown, Makhachev transitioned to full mount, rained down ground-and-pound, and forced the referee to step in. It was a technical stoppage, but also a moral one—Jack Della Maddalena simply had no answers. The welterweight king had been dethroned by a master tactician from Dagestan, a fighter whose hunger for greatness now stretches across divisions.

This victory means more than just another title. It’s a statement. Makhachev didn’t just move up a weight class—he took out one of the hottest fighters in the division in dominant fashion. Fans and analysts alike now recognize that Islam Makhachev isn’t just the best lightweight—he’s the most complete fighter in the world right now, bar none.

Legacy Talk Begins

With this monumental win, Makhachev joins the ranks of legends who have conquered multiple divisions. Talk of greatness isn’t speculation anymore—it’s fact. His win over Jack Della Maddalena is perhaps his most impressive to date, not just because of the opponent, but because of the context.

Makhachev now has dominant wins over Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski (twice), and now Maddalena. Very few fighters have built such a compelling case for fighter of the year, or even fighter of the decade.

The win also validates the vision of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who had long predicted Islam would carry Dagestan’s torch into a new era. Khabib, speaking at a fan event days before the fight, hinted at the Madison Square Garden showdown and called it a “legacy fight.” He wasn’t wrong.

What’s Next for Makhachev?

The big question now is: who can stop Islam Makhachev? Having conquered the lightweight division and now taken the welterweight belt with ease, the UFC faces a difficult challenge in finding a worthy challenger. There are names like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Colby Covington, and even a potential super fight with Leon Edwards if he returns to form.

A trilogy with Alexander Volkanovski could always resurface, but most fans believe there’s nothing left to prove there. A clash with someone like Kamaru Usman, if he returns, might be intriguing but risky for the UFC. Alternatively, Islam might consider staying in welterweight permanently, seeking to defend his newly won title and build another reign.

Regardless of what comes next, one thing is clear: Makhachev is the absolute ruler of the UFC. His ability to impose his style on anyone, regardless of size or strength, sets him apart in a league full of elite fighters. His confidence, discipline, and unwavering calm in high-pressure moments are the marks of a generational athlete.

Maddalena’s Future Still Bright

It would be unfair to write off Jack Della Maddalena after this loss. He’s still young, skilled, and ambitious. The UFC likely sees him as a future star, and this defeat could very well be a lesson he builds on. Many great champions, including Georges St-Pierre and Kamaru Usman, suffered early setbacks before dominating their divisions.

Jack now knows what the elite level looks like, and if he’s serious about reclaiming the throne, he’ll need to add new wrinkles to his game, especially in defensive grappling. His striking remains elite, but against fighters like Makhachev, you need more than knockout power—you need answers to pressure and positional control.

A New Era for the UFC

As the dust settles on this monumental fight, fans and pundits alike are in awe of what Islam Makhachev has achieved. The UFC has a new dual-division star, and the sport has a new icon of dominance. For a fighter who was once in the shadow of Khabib, Islam has stepped out fully into his own light, casting a shadow over every opponent who dares challenge him.

The title of “absolute ruler” isn’t just hyperbole anymore—it’s a reality. And until someone can solve the riddle of Islam Makhachev, the throne is his to keep.