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Islam Makhachev has looked back on his UFC Welterweight Championship win over Jack Della Maddalena, which was a one-sided affair.
Makhachev challenged Maddalena for the 170-pound gold back in Nov. 2025 in the UFC 322 main event. It was Makhachev’s opportunity to become a two-time UFC lightweight titleholder. He made the most of his chance by giving Maddalena a grappling clinic for five rounds to capture the welterweight gold.
During the UFC 330 countdown show, Makhachev said he knew things would go his way early on when he dumped Maddalena on the canvas with a takedown.
“I wanted to be double champion. It’s good for my legacy. I remember the first takedown, how easy it come, and I understand it’s gonna be a long night for Jack,” Makhachev said.
Makhachev is scheduled to make his his first welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry in the UFC 330 main event on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. Garry has insisted that his striking is far superior to Makhachev’s, and he’s looking for his first knockout since 2023.
While Maddalena didn’t get a chance to utilize his striking effectively while in fear of takedowns, “The Future” thinks it’ll be a different story with him. Makhachev disagrees, and he is vowing to take more risks in his showdown with Garry.
Fans are wondering how Garry will deal with Makhachev’s constant pressure and whether or not he can stuff takedowns long enough to do damage on the feet. “The Future” had his grappling tested back in late 2024 against Shavkat Rakhmonov, and while he didn’t get the win, he made the fight competitive. Whether or not he’s made enough adjustments to be ready for someone as elite as Makhachev will be answered in Philadelphia.
Will Islam Makhachev find as much success against Garry as he did against JDM, or is the welterweight champion in for a challenge at UFC 330? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
