"Islam Makhachev's quest to become a two-division champion was fulfilled Saturday night, when he smothered Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds to capture the welterweight championship with a unanimous decision win at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden. Makhachev (28-1) tied Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in UFC history with his 16th consecutive win, adding to a remarkable, decade-long unbeaten run by racking up 19 minutes, 10 seconds of control time against Della Maddalena."
"Della Maddalena (18-3) hadn't lost since dropping his first two pro MMA fights, but he had absolutely nothing for Makhachev, who secured every takedown he attempted and kept the Australian fighter's back pinned to the canvas for long stretches of the fight. "My life has changed," Makhachev said of his move up to welterweight from lightweight. "I didn't have to cut weight. I can do what I want. It made this night easy.""
Islam Makhachev captured the UFC welterweight championship with a unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden. Makhachev secured every takedown he attempted and accumulated 19 minutes, 10 seconds of control time across five rounds. He tied Anderson Silva's UFC record with his 16th consecutive win and extended a decade-long unbeaten run. Makhachev outstruck Della Maddalena 123-32 and used calf kicks that compromised the champion's mobility. Della Maddalena never found an answer but resisted being finished. Makhachev said moving up in weight eased his preparation and performance.
Read at ESPN.com
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