Is Islam Makhachev on the path to two-division glory at UFC 322?
When MMA fans hear the name Islam Makhachev, they often think of dominance, control, and a relentless pursuit of title glory. But does challenging Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 cement him as one of the sport’s all-time greats? Matt Brown’s recent commentary adds a nuanced layer: greatness isn’t measured by a single belt or a spectacular win; it’s earned through sustained excellence across divisions, eras, and the evolution of the sport itself.
The historical hurdle: two-division champions in UFC history
Entering UFC 322, Makhachev is chasing a rare accolade—title supremacy in two different weight classes. Historically, only a handful of fighters have managed to win championships in two divisions, underscoring how difficult it is to transition from one division to another while maintaining sustained success. The welterweight title match against Maddalena isn’t just a title bout; it’s a test of Makhachev’s adaptability, his ability to manage a different pace and striking dynamic, and his capacity to carry a training camp’s game plan across the emotional weight of a multi-division pursuit.
What this fight means for his all-time standing
Brown’s critique—winning at UFC 322 doesn’t automatically guarantee all-time greatness—centers on a broader conversation about legacy. All-time greats are typically judged by several factors: the quality of opponents faced, the consistency of success, impact on the sport, and performance in pressure scenarios. A single victory to claim a second belt is meaningful, but it isn’t a definitive verdict on whether a fighter sits among the sport’s elites across decades.
For Makhachev, the path to lasting greatness would likely require a blend of things: continuing to win against top-tier competition across divisions, defending titles, and influencing how future fighters approach wrestling, control grappling, and fight IQ. The current opportunity at UFC 322 is a critical checkpoint, not the final stamp. It’s about whether he can demonstrate adaptability in the welterweight arena, where a different range of tools and styles tests a fighter’s approach in real time.
Evaluating the matchup: style, strategy, and the stakes
Maddalena represents a unique challenge. He’s known for a dynamic striking game, speed, and a willingness to engage at range, which can complicate a wrestler’s plan. For Makhachev, the plan will likely hinge on keeping fights in controllable domains: dictating the pace, closing distance to implement grappling sequences, and scoring points through sustained top control. The tactical shifts necessary to win a welterweight title—often heavier on footwork, range management, and occasional power shots—will test Makhachev’s ability to adjust a framework that has historically worked in his preferred weight class.
What fans and pundits should watch
- Cardio and pace: Can Makhachev maintain control late into rounds where welterweight speed and power can tilt momentum?
- Offensive versatility: Will he mix in more diverse striking and occasional takedown threats to keep Maddalena honest?
- Defense under pressure: How does Makhachev handle a welterweight’s pace if he finds himself facing sustained exchanges?
- Resume implications: A successful two-division bid would strengthen his case, but continued success across divisions will be the true measure of legacy.
Conclusion: a meaningful step, not a final verdict
UFC 322 offers Islam Makhachev a pivotal stage to broaden his legacy. Even with a victory that secures a second belt, the conversation about all-time greatness remains nuanced and ongoing. For supporters, the question isn’t just whether he becomes a two-division champion, but whether he can sustain the level of performance that defines the sport’s greats over time. The fight will reveal much about his adaptability, resilience, and the long arc of his career.
