2nd Class Champion, Makhachev Enters Group 11 UFC Elite Fighters

JAKARTA - Islam Makhachev won titles in two different classes after defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. This achievement made him also included in the ranks of 11 UFC elite fighters.

Makhachev officially won the UFC welterweight world title after defeating defending champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York, Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Since the beginning of the fight, Makhachev appeared dominant because he did not give Della Maddalena many opportunities to give his best.

Makhachev's efforts to carry out ground battles in each round overwhelmed Della Maddalena. The referee finally stated that Makhachev won absolute points over Della Maddalena (50-45, 50-45, and 50-45).

This result made Makhachev the 11th fighter to successfully win titles in two different classes. Previously, there were experienced fighters such as Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Hendry Cejudo, Randy Couture, BJ Penn, Georges St-Pierre, Alex Pereira, Jon Jones, and Ilia Topuria.

From the winning result against Della Maddalena, Islam Makhachev is also listed as the first Russian fighter to win a welterweight belt at the UFC.

In addition, Makhachev is now the second fighter to win a title in the welterweight and lightweight after being successfully carried out for the first time by BJ Penn.

In total, Makhachev has recorded 28 wins throughout his career. A total of 13 of them occurred through a failed submission against Jack Della Maddalena.

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