Islam Makhachev Reflects on Dominant UFC Welterweight Title Victory: "It's Good for My Legacy"
Islam Makhachev has shared his thoughts on his decisive victory to claim the UFC Welterweight Championship against Jack Della Maddalena, a fight that proved to be a one-sided contest.
Makhachev challenged Maddalena for the 170-pound belt in November 2025 at UFC 322. This bout presented Makhachev with the opportunity to become a two-time UFC champion. He seized the chance, showcasing a masterful grappling display over five rounds to secure the welterweight title.
Speaking on the UFC 330 countdown show, Makhachev recalled knowing the fight would go his way from the outset when he successfully took Maddalena down.
“I wanted to be a double champion. It’s good for my legacy,” Makhachev stated. “I remember the first takedown, how easily it came, and I understood it was going to be a long night for Jack.”
Makhachev is now slated to make his first defense of the welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330 on August 15th in Philadelphia. Garry has expressed confidence in his striking advantage over Makhachev and aims for his first knockout since 2023.
While Maddalena was unable to effectively utilize his striking due to concerns about takedowns, Garry believes his situation will be different. Makhachev, however, disagrees and has indicated he plans to take more risks in his upcoming bout with Garry.
Spectators are eager to see how Garry will handle Makhachev's relentless pressure and if he can adequately defend takedowns to land significant strikes. Garry's grappling was tested in late 2024 against Shavkat Rakhmonov, and although he didn't win, he made the fight competitive. Whether he has sufficiently improved to face an elite grappler like Makhachev will be revealed in Philadelphia.
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