And there it is! The highly anticipated fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 did not disappoint. As expected, the Dagestani sambo specialist completely dominated his opponent on the ground for five rounds, showcasing his superior skills and earning a well-deserved unanimous decision victory. With this impressive win, the question on everyone’s mind is, who will be next to face the rising star, Islam Makhachev?
First, let’s take a look at the fight itself. From the opening bell, Makhachev wasted no time in taking control of the fight. He immediately went for takedowns and put pressure on Della Maddalena with his relentless ground and pound. The Aussie fighter had no answer for Makhachev’s grappling prowess, and despite his best efforts, he was unable to escape the constant pressure from the Dagestani fighter. It was a dominating performance from Makhachev, who showed why he is considered one of the best grapplers in the lightweight division.
With this win, Makhachev has now extended his winning streak to eight fights, and his record stands at an impressive 22-1. It’s evident that he is a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division and is quickly climbing the ranks. This begs the question, who will be brave enough to step into the octagon with Makhachev next?
One name that immediately comes to mind is the former lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos. Dos Anjos is currently on a two-fight winning streak and has openly expressed his desire to fight Makhachev. This matchup makes perfect sense as it will be a battle between two top grapplers in the division. It will also be a great opportunity for Makhachev to prove himself against a seasoned veteran and potentially earn a shot at the title.
Another potential opponent for Makhachev could be Beneil Dariush. Dariush is currently riding a seven-fight win streak and is ranked higher than Makhachev in the lightweight division. A matchup between these two skilled fighters would undoubtedly be a highly anticipated showdown, and it could potentially determine the next title contender in the division.
One name that has been thrown around as a potential opponent for Makhachev is Tony Ferguson. While Ferguson is coming off two consecutive losses, he is still a top-ranked fighter in the division and has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous and unorthodox fighters in the UFC. A fight between him and Makhachev would be a true test for the rising star and could solidify his position as a top contender in the division.
However, regardless of who Makhachev faces next, one thing is for sure; he will be a handful for anyone in the lightweight division. His relentless pressure, superior grappling skills, and strong striking make him a well-rounded fighter and a tough matchup for anyone in the UFC. He has proven time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot at the title.
In conclusion, Islam Makhachev’s dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 has solidified his position as one of the top contenders in the lightweight division. With his impressive win streak and skillset, he has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with and that he is ready to take on the best in the division. Whether he faces dos Anjos, Dariush, or Ferguson next, one thing is for sure; it will be an exciting fight that fans will not want to miss. The future is bright for Makhachev, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this rising star in the UFC.
