One Win From Greatness – Islam Makhachev’s Shot at UFC History

On November 15, at Madison Square Garden in New York, Islam Makhachev faces perhaps the biggest challenge of his career. He meets welterweight champion Jack Della Madalena in the main event of UFC 322. A win earns him two-division champion status, ties the legendary Anderson Silva’s streak, and solidifies his claim as the world’s number-one pound-for-pound fighter.

ALSO READ: Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena: A Potential Superfight Brewing for Late 2025.

Road to the Moment

Makhachev already boasts one of the most impressive streaks in UFC history, 15 straight wins at lightweight, including four title defences, surpassing the likes of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. With this fight, he has the chance to match Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive wins and further imprint his dominance across divisions.

By moving up to 170 pounds after relinquishing his lightweight title, Makhachev chases two-division champion status, something only a handful of UFC fighters have achieved. It’s a transformation built on strength, conditioning and the belief that he can dominate a new weight class.

In facing riddled welterweight champion Della Madalena, Makhachev isn’t just hunting a belt, he’s hunting legitimacy. The Australian is undefeated in the UFC and full of confidence, but he is stepping into the game plan of one of MMA’s most elite grapplers. Makhachev’s corner has been clear: take him down, neutralise the threat, finish decisively.

Why It’s an Era-Defining Fight

Tie the win streak: A victory ties Anderson Silva’s historic run of 16 consecutive UFC wins.

End opponent streaks: Islam Makhachev has already snapped the 11-fight win streak of Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. He also ended Alexander Volkanovski’s 22-fight streak at UFC 284. A win here would see Makhachev stop yet another dominant run, this time that of Jack Della Madalena (18 fight win streak.

Claim two belts: The win would put Makhachev among legends like Conor McGregor, Jon Jones and Amanda Nunes, who have held titles in two divisions.

Pound-for-pound supremacy: With the top spot in many rankings firmly within reach, victory here could catapult Makhachev to undisputed status as the best in the world right now.

How It Might Play Out

Expect Makhachev to dictate the fight through wrestling, control and clinch-work, while unleashing submissions or ground strikes. The bench-press advantage at welterweight gives him an edge in later rounds, the phase where many fighters fade. Della Madalena’s power and explosiveness add danger, but if forced into prolonged grappling, the champion’s calculus gets tougher.

Should the fight hit the mat, Makhachev’s submission history is vast. If it remains upright, his improved striking and size disadvantage will be tested, but he believes he has already recovered better from his last weight cut and will arrive stronger than ever.