For many years Islam Makhachev remained undefeated in the lightweight division. After winning the title, the athlete wrote his name in sports history. However, Makhachev decided not to stop at this achievement and took on a new challenge. This year he left the lightweight championship belt to fight in his first welterweight competition. The duel with Della Maddalena will take place on November 16 at Madison Square Garden, and this event will determine whether the Russian fighter can extend his legacy.
Della Maddalena: the champion Makhachev Will try to beat
Before you evaluate the actual opportunities Islam Makhachev If he gets the coveted title, it’s important to understand who his opponent is. Della Maddalena became division champion after defeating Belal Muhammed earlier in 2025. The fighter quickly found success in welterweightAnd many American bookmakers for Great Britain punters mark him as favorite in the match against Makhachev. The Russian athlete has shown strong performances in lightweightbut he should not underestimate his rival’s strengths.
Della Maddalena is confident in his striking skills and said he doesn’t want to leave the outcome of the fight up to the judges. The Australian fighter has an aggressive style and he is confident that he will win this fight quickly. However, he has never met an opponent like this Makhachevwho maintains the balance between improving batting skills and wrestling talents. Madeleine will certainly have to find a strategy that will help him keep the fight dangerous and neutralize his rival quickly. But will he be able to do so?
Makhachev’s potential to cement his legend
Mastery of wrestling is one of the main strengths of the Russian fighter: he can quickly knock down the opponent and continue attacking without giving him even the slightest pause. His methodical actions and ability to always stick to the original strategy brought numerous victories in the competition lightweight division. When the athlete is motivated to take a step forward, he actively works on a sharper attack, creating more challenges for the rival than the clinch.
Makhachev is known for his high fighting IQ, as he never overcommits or becomes reckless. The possibility of becoming a champion in two divisions at the same time is a powerful motivator for the fighter, so he actively prepares for the competition by increasing the duration of training, working on focus and maintaining mental composure under high pressure.
Challenges to overcome in the welterweight division
Makhachev can boast of many victories lightweightbut the transfer to the higher division is a challenge even for elite fighters. The athlete now focuses on physical adaptation, but improving timing and distance is also important. Della Maddalena has already fought welterweightso he objectively has better form and experience.
Makhachev must be able to trust that he will not be too muscular in the boxing ring. The Australian fighter is a dangerous opponent who could potentially catch Islam in transition and defeat him with powerful strikes. The welterweight requires additional mass, which presents significant challenges for the athlete who previously competed in a lighter division.
What will victory bring to Makhachev?
Madeleine is a strong rival, but Makhachev still has significant profit opportunities. The potential defeat of the Australian champion will not only add new honors to the athlete’s list of trophies. In addition, Islam will have the opportunity to join the exclusive club of two-division winners, confirming his dominance extends beyond one division. Khabib Nurmagomedov, his mentor, is another well-known Russian fighter, but he has never accepted such a challenge and ended his career in one division.
Fans and boxing experts will not forgive any mistakes. If the fighter leaves the ring defeated, the UFC will question his potential to compete welterweightwhich will ultimately tarnish his reputation on the international stage. However, if Makhachev wins, he is expected to continue fighting welterweight. Rumors are currently swirling about a possible match with Ilia Topuria, and a win will certainly widen these discussions.
Many people are convinced that the Russian fighter has a clear advantage over the Australian opponent and are waiting for this match with great impatience. For his part, Makhachev continues to express his ambitions and train hard as there is little time left for the historic event.
Final insight
UFC 322 is the moment that defines the future Islam Makhachev‘s career as lightweight champion, with enormous ambitions to become the welterweight legend, Della Maddalena. The champion is a powerful opponent, so the challenge for the Russian athlete is clear. His elite wrestling and strategic discipline are expected to provide a competitive advantage Makhachev is very ambitious to extend his legacy to another division. The fight will take place in November at Madison Square Garden and the historic event is expected to reshape the boxing world.
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