Nov 15, 2025; New York, NY, UNITED STATES; Islam Makhachev (blue gloves) fights Jack Della Maddalena (red gloves) in the welterweight championship bout during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
(Reuters) -Islam Makhachev's five-round demolition of Jack Della Maddalena in New York on Saturday caused a seismic shift in the UFC as he claimed the welterweight title at the first time of asking, changing the landscape for potential contenders.
In a division brimming with talent, plenty of prospective challengers watched the fight hoping to see some chinks in the 34-year-old's armour as he stepped up to the 170-pound class for the first time.
