Jack Della Maddalena’s UFC welterweight title reign ended abruptly at UFC 322, as Islam Makhachev’s relentless grappling game exposed the Australian striker’s defensive vulnerabilities in a one-sided unanimous decision loss. The defeat sparked immediate criticism from rival Ian Garry, who labelled Della Maddalena’s performance “one of the weakest title defences in UFC history.” At the same time, even Makhachev faced backlash for what some described as a technically dominant but lacklustre championship display.
The Blueprint Exposed: Makhachev’s Wrestling Dominance
From the opening bell at Madison Square Garden, Islam Makhachev executed a near-perfect game plan against the defending champion. Utilising his sambo background and superior grappling, Makhachev secured four takedowns and maintained dominant positions throughout the five-round affair. The statistics told a grim story for Della Maddalena—Makhachev landed approximately 130 total strikes while controlling over 14 minutes of ground time, systematically dismantling the Australian’s striking-based attack.
Della Maddalena, who had stormed through the welterweight division with nine consecutive UFC victories, found himself unable to implement his dangerous boxing game. Each time he established striking distance, Makhachev closed the gap and initiated grappling exchanges that sapped the champion’s energy and confidence. The 50-45 scorecards across all three judges reflected the comprehensive nature of Makhachev’s victory and exposed the grappling deficit that had been lurking beneath Della Maddalena’s highlight-reel knockouts.
Garry’s Immediate Criticism: Kicking a Rival While He’s Down
Within hours of the defeat, undefeated welterweight contender Ian Garry launched a social media assault on the dethroned champion. “That has to be one of the weakest title defences I’ve ever seen,” Garry posted to his substantial following. “All that talk about my family, and you can’t even defend a takedown? Maybe focus on your own game instead of other people’s personal lives.”
The criticism carried extra sting given the history between the two fighters. Della Maddalena had previously mocked Garry’s parenting situation during their war of words, providing the Irish contender with ample ammunition for retaliation. Garry’s comments quickly went viral, adding insult to injury for Della Maddalena and potentially setting up a grudge match that could help both fighters rebound from their recent career setbacks.
The Backlash Against Makhachev’s “Safe” Victory
Surprisingly, even the new champion faced criticism despite his dominant performance. Several MMA analysts and fans described Makhachev’s approach as overly cautious and “boring,” particularly in the championship rounds when he appeared content to maintain position rather than hunt for finishes. The victory marked Makhachev’s second consecutive decision win since moving to welterweight, leading to questions about whether his style translates as effectively against larger opponents.
Former champion Kamaru Usman, who has been mentioned as Makhachev’s next potential challenger, commented that “real champions take risks,” subtly criticising the new titleholder’s risk-averse approach. This narrative creates an interesting dynamic for Makhachev’s first title defence, as he may face pressure to deliver more exciting performances to cement his welterweight legacy.
What’s Next for Della Maddalena?
The former champion now faces a critical juncture in his career. At 28 years old, he remains one of the division’s most talented strikers, but the loss to Makhachev revealed clear deficiencies that must be addressed. Della Maddalena’s team indicated they will likely return to Australia to reassess his training approach, particularly his takedown defence and grappling skills.
A matchup against Ian Garry appears inevitable given their heated exchange, though the UFC may choose to build that fight by having both competitors win their next bouts first. Other potential opponents include Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson or Michel Pereira—strikers who would allow Della Maddalena to showcase his strengths while working his way back to title contention.
Conclusion: A Humbling Night in New York
UFC 322 served as a harsh reminder that championship-level MMA requires complete skillsets, not just exceptional abilities in one discipline. For Jack Della Maddalena, the loss represents both a setback and an opportunity—a chance to address the grappling weaknesses that prevented him from implementing his game plan against an elite wrestler.
For Islam Makhachev, the victory solidifies his status as one of the sport’s most technically proficient fighters, even if the performance failed to excite segments of the fanbase. As both men move forward, their paths appear destined to cross again with other rising contenders, ensuring the welterweight division remains one of the UFC’s most compelling weight classes despite the championship changing hands.
Della Maddalena’s Title Loss: FAQ
What was the official result of the Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena fight?
Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision (50-45 on all three scorecards) to claim the UFC welterweight championship.
How many takedowns did Makhachev land?
Makhachev successfully executed four takedowns and controlled Della Maddalena for over 14 minutes of ground time throughout the five-round contest.
What did Ian Garry say about Della Maddalena’s performance?
Garry called it “one of the weakest title defences in UFC history” and mocked Della Maddalena’s previous comments about his parenting.
Why did Makhachev receive criticism despite winning?
Some fans and analysts described his performance as overly cautious and “boring,” particularly his risk-averse approach in the championship rounds.
What’s next for Jack Della Maddalena?
He likely needs to rebuild with 1-2 victories, with a grudge match against Ian Garry being the most compelling option for both fighters.
