It wasn't even competitive; Islam Makhachev joins a select group of fighters to win UFC titles in two weight divisions, defeating Jack Della Maddalena to capture the UFC welterweight championship in the main event of UFC 322.
This marks 16 straight wins for Makhachev, tying Anderson Silva for most consecutive UFC victories.
After a little early back and forth, Makhachev scored an easy takedown of Della Maddalena, controlling the action on the ground and, at one point, threatening a choke. The two traded in a clinch battle near the fence to start the second round; however, Della Maddalena gave up another takedown and ground control to Makhachev again -- getting dominated with little answer again.
Low kicks from Makhachev seemed to show some damage on one of Della Maddalena's legs early in the third. Della Maddalena appeared to land well in a brief clinch battle, but Makhachev easily took him down again and threatened another choke.
Makhachev, taking advantage of a banged up Maddalena leg, continued this takedown and grappling-heavy pressure strategy throughout the fourth and fifth rounds to easily take the win and gold.
Islam Makhachev Claims UFC Welterweight Title In One-Sided Fashion At UFC 323
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Makhachev became UFC lightweight champion by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. He made successful defenses against Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano before vacating to move up to welterweight.
Della Maddalena tastes defeat for the first time since losing his first two bouts, snapping an 18-fight win streak. He had gained the UFC welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.