UFC 322: Makhachev vs. Maddalena – Fight Analysis

The Fight: A Grappling Clinic

Maddalena stuck to his game plan: boxing range and volume. Makhachev refused to play along. After testing the distance with low kicks, Islam timed a perfect single-leg entry. Maddalena’s balance vanished, and the fight hit the canvas.

From that moment, the rhythm never changed. Makhachev’s top pressure was suffocating. He pinned Maddalena’s hips, advanced positions with small, sharp adjustments, and gave the crowd a masterclass in ground control.

By the numbers (Rounds 1-2):

• Control Time: 7:17
• Significant Strikes: 40 vs. 5

It was a shutout. Islam’s plan was clear: drown the striker. Every time Maddalena tried to reset, Makhachev chained a new takedown.

The Championship Rounds

By the third and fourth rounds, the pattern was mechanical. Maddalena would start with aggressive striking, land a combo, and immediately eat a counter or get taken down again. Makhachev relentlessly backed him up until the cage cut off any escape.

By round five, the fight had left Maddalena completely drained. Islam wasted no time, dragging him down one last time to control the final five minutes.

The Verdict

The judges’ decision was a formality: 50-45 on all cards. Complete domination.

Key Stats & Records

Final Verdict

This went exactly how the grapplers said it would. Islam Makhachev is now a double champ. He neutralized the striking and secured the takedowns. Winning two belts is hard enough, but making it look this easy against a guy like Maddalena is terrifying for the rest of the division.