NEW YORK — Islam Makhachev solidified his status in mixed martial arts history with a resounding victory over Jack Della Maddalena at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. The fight marked a pivotal moment for Makhachev as he dominated his opponent, clinching the welterweight championship and adding another prestigious title to his accolades.

In a bout that spanned nearly 25 minutes, Makhachev showcased his exceptional grappling prowess, overwhelming Della Maddalena with relentless control on the ground. The judges awarded Makhachev a unanimous decision, scoring the fight 50-45 across the board. This win also positioned Makhachev as the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight classes.

Makhachev’s performance was impressive, especially considering he had vacated his lightweight title earlier this year following a successful submission over Renato Moicano. Throughout the match, he maintained an aggressive pace while consistently threatening Della Maddalena with submission attempts. The Australian champion, who was making his first title defense, struggled to find his rhythm amidst Makhachev’s relentless onslaught.

“This is the dream all my life,” Makhachev said after the fight. He expressed his elation, noting the immense effort he had invested leading up to this moment. Despite the length of the match, Makhachev appeared tireless, executing his game plan effectively and neutralizing Della Maddalena’s striking.

Makhachev, a longtime training partner of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, not only followed a detailed strategy crafted by their late coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, but also demonstrated the high level of skill and discipline instilled in him. “This was my plan; it was no secret. All my opponents know this, and nobody can stop this,” Makhachev remarked.

For Della Maddalena, the night marked a significant setback, as it was his first professional loss after previously winning his first eight UFC fights since debuting in 2022. The 29-year-old fighter, who hailed from Australia, attempted to counter Makhachev’s dominance but faced overwhelming challenges throughout the match.

Looking ahead, Makhachev did not specify any challengers but expressed a desire to compete in a unique venue. “Open the White House, I’m coming,” he declared, referencing a proposed UFC card on the lawn of the White House in June.

The event featured a lineup of compelling fights, showcasing rising stars and established veterans in the sport. Alongside Makhachev’s victory, other notable results included Valentina Shevchenko’s successful title defense against Zhang Weili and Michael Morales’ knockout of Sean Brady in the first round.

As Makhachev continues to build his legacy in the UFC, his latest achievement has positioned him as a formidable presence in mixed martial arts, with many wondering what will come next for the newly crowned welterweight champion.