There was no confusion. There was no controversy. At UFC 322, Islam Makhachev
put on a masterclass, dominated Jack Della Maddalena, and made history — stepping up to 170 lbs and cementing his legacy as a two-division UFC champion.
Makhachev didn’t just win; he controlled the fight from start to finish. According to MMA Fighting, he landed brutal calf kicks, dragged Maddalena to the ground repeatedly, and imposed his grappling game so well that the judges gave him a 50-45 clean sweep. MMA Fighting
That victory means more than a belt: he ties Anderson Silva’s record with his 16th straight win. FOX Sports+1
It wasn’t an easy path. Earlier this year, Makhachev gave up his lightweight (155 lb) title — a belt he had worked hard to defend — just to chase this moment. UFC+1 But he believed in the goal of becoming a two-division champion, stating right before the fight, “Time to become a double champ.” MMA Mania
UFC itself called the night historic. In its “Bigger Picture” recap, the promotion praised Makhachev’s dominant performance and suggested that he might now be part of the “Greatest of All Time” discussion — if he handles his welterweight reign well. UFC
What this means for MMA:
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Legacy: Makhachev is no longer just “the lightweight grappler.” He’s a generational talent.
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Future fights: He could defend at 170 lbs, but fans and analysts will also wonder if he’ll ever try to revisit or reclaim his lightweight belt.
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Market pull: His rise adds a lot of drama. Two-belt fighters generate massive fan interest — if he stays dominant, he could headline major cards for years.
Makhachev’s journey from Dagestan to Madison Square Garden now has a new chapter: two belts, 16 wins in a row, and the kind of legitimacy that only a few UFC legends ever reach.
If you want a quick breakdown with extra details, you can check out our YouTube video on this story as well.