Islam Makhachev Joins Elite Two-Weight UFC Champions After Defeating Jack Della Maddalena
Islam Makhachev has joined the elite list of two-weight UFC champions by beating Jack Della Maddalena to become the new UFC welterweight title holder. The former lightweight champion became only the 11th fighter in UFC history to win titles across two divisions following a dominant performance at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Russian star was awarded a unanimous decision victory after five rounds at UFC 322, with all three judges scoring the contest 50-45 in his favor. Makhachev’s superior grappling skills proved decisive throughout the fight.
“I feel amazing,” Makhachev told the UFC website. “I try to control my emotions but I am so happy. Jack is one of the best in this game. We trained hard to prepare for him. It’s why we made this easy, it’s because we trained so hard for him.”
Coached by UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has remained undefeated since 2015 and improved his record to 28 wins and just one loss. On the other hand, Australian Della Maddalena suffered his first defeat since May 2016, now holding a record of 18 wins and 3 losses from 21 fights.
Looking ahead, Makhachev expressed his ambitions: “I am ready to fight with the biggest names in this sport.” He also indicated interest in fighting at the UFC’s White House event next summer.
Valentina Shevchenko Dominates Zhang Weili to Defend UFC Flyweight Title
Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her UFC flyweight belt by defeating Zhang Weili, joining Amanda Nunes with 11 UFC title fight wins – the most among women fighters.
Shevchenko, currently ranked number one in the women’s pound-for-pound rankings, dominated her Chinese opponent and secured a unanimous decision victory with all scorecards reading 50-45.
At 37 years old, Shevchenko’s victory also marks her as only the second woman to become a two-division UFC champion after Nunes. However, she is the first to do so in the strawweight and flyweight divisions.
“It was an amazing fight,” said Shevchenko, who holds a record of 26 wins, 4 defeats, and 1 draw. “I was trying to show the dominant positions in every aspect and don’t have any questions that this fight is mine.”
Zhang Weili, who vacated her strawweight belt in February, moved up in weight for this bout but was beaten for the first time since November 2021.
Leon Edwards Faces Uncertain Future After Third Straight Loss
Leon Edwards’ MMA career now hangs in the balance following his third consecutive defeat after being knocked out by Carlos Prates.
The 34-year-old Briton was seeking his first win since 2023 and aimed to reignite his quest to reclaim the UFC welterweight title he once held. Edwards dominated the first round but was suddenly stopped by a straight left hand from Prates in the second round.
Brazilian fighter Prates improved his record to 23 wins, including 18 knockouts. Meanwhile, Edwards suffered the sixth defeat of his career, three of which have come within the past 15 months. This loss also marks the first knockout defeat for Edwards.
At 32 years old, Prates will likely now be considered a top contender for the UFC welterweight title.
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