"Champ JDM had what could only be called an intense look on his face, as he prepared to welcome former lightweight champ Makhachev to 170lbs. Maddalena put the pressure on early, going after the challenger, throwing hands. Makhachev fired a front kick that hit air; Maddalena went to the body. Makhachev did land a few calf kicks, and a minute in, landed his first takedown of the fight."
"In half guard, nowhere near the fence, Makhachev had ample time to work. He fired punches to the body and head. Maddalena nearly scrambled out, but gave up his back doing so. The champ scrambled to the fence, Makhachev still on him, but nearly found himself caught in a choke. Maddalena tried to escape out the back, but couldn't quite make it. Makhachev wound up on top, in half guard. The Dagestani challenger worked for a guillotine, but Maddalena was able to avoid it."
Islam Makhachev moved up to challenge newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York City. Maddalena applied intense early pressure, attacking with hands and body shots while Makhachev landed calf kicks and a front kick. About a minute into the fight Makhachev secured a takedown and established control from half guard. Makhachev landed punches to the body and head and forced Maddalena into scrambles that opened his back. Maddalena scrambled toward the fence and briefly threatened a choke before Makhachev returned to top positions and worked for submissions.
Read at Cageside Press
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