Introduction: The two-division chase at UFC 322
As UFC 322 approaches, Islam Makhachev is set to face Jack Della Maddalena with more on the line than a welterweight title. If Makhachev wins, he would join a select group as the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold championships in two different divisions. The milestone is significant, but it has sparked a broader debate: does winning a second title automatically cement a place among the sport’s all-time greats?
The two-division pathway: history and expectations
Across UFC history, becoming a two-division champion has often been framed as the ultimate demonstration of dominance and adaptability. Legends like Conor McGregor, Randy Couture, and Henry Cejudo have used cross-division success to elevate their legacies. Yet the road is not uniform; some fighters cement legendary status through sustained title reigns, longevity, and the ability to define eras, while others make a splash with a landmark achievement that raises the bar but doesn’t settle the debate entirely.
What it takes to be considered an all-time great
Many fans and analysts look beyond a single title and ask: how did the fighter influence the sport? Key criteria often cited include:
— Consistency at the highest level over years
— Ability to defeat a variety of challengers and styles
— Impact on the sport’s popularity, culture, and global reach
— Longevity in title contention and continued relevance after peak years
— Moments that endure in the memory of fans and the history books
Islam Makhachev’s path to a second belt certainly tests several of these factors. His grappling mastery, pressure, and execution have made him a formidable opponent in the lightweight division, where he has built one of the longest winning streaks in modern MMA. If he captures welterweight gold, the question becomes whether the achievement reflects an enduring, cross-weight prime or a short burst of peak performance.
Why UFC 322’s main event matters beyond the belt
The matchup with Jack Della Maddalena is more than a title fight. It is a litmus test for Makhachev’s ability to adapt to a new division with its own dynamics, depth, and styles. For Maddalena, a win would mark a breakthrough moment that could define his career and influence the welterweight division’s future. For fans, the bout is a narrative crossroads: will we see a continued ascent toward an all-time-status or a notable, but isolated, achievement?
Two different paths to legacy: sustained dominance vs. landmark feats
Two-divisional champions often illustrate two contrasting templates. Some fighters extend their dominance over many years, accumulating defenses and memorable bouts. Others punctuate their careers with a singular, career-defining achievement—one that changes the conversation but isn’t the sole determinant of greatness. Makhachev’s challenge is to show that he can maintain top-tier performance across weight classes, while also remaining relevant to a broader audience and the sport’s evolving landscape.
What a win would—or wouldn’t—signal
A victory at UFC 322 would undeniably add a historic line to Makhachev’s record. It would signal versatility and resilience, proving he can handle the different tempo, power, and strategy required in welterweight. However, the all-time-great label hinges on long-term impact: does this second title redefine his era, influence future fighters, and endure in the annals of MMA history? At this stage, many observers would answer that it’s a meaningful milestone, not an unquestioned crown.
The conversation going forward
As the fight unfolds, fans and pundits will weigh the achievement against the broader tapestry of UFC history. If Makhachev secures the welterweight belt, the narrative will shift toward whether he can defend both titles and maintain relevance across the sport’s evolving weight classes. If he doesn’t win, the discussion will pivot to how he can regain momentum and what the loss means for the perception of cross-division greatness.
Conclusion: The bar remains high
In MMA, becoming an all-time great is rarely earned with a single milestone. It’s built through years of consistency, adaptability, and impact. Islam Makhachev may be on the path to two-division glory, but whether that translates into a lasting all-time status will depend on what comes next—the defenses, the rivalries, and the moments that etch his name into the sport’s history.
