Russian mixed martial artist Islam Makhachev has made history by winning the UFC welterweight title, adding to his existing lightweight championship and joining the select group of fighters to hold two belts at the same time.
The victory came at Madison Square Garden, where Makhachev moved up from the 155 kg lightweight division to face defending welterweight champion Jack Madalina in the 170 kg category. After five rounds, all three judges scored the fight 50-45 in favor of Makhachev, who dominated with superior grappling skills, taking Madalina down repeatedly and landing strikes from top positions.
The defeat ended Madalina’s unbeaten streak since 2016, taking his professional MMA record to 3-18. Makhachev improved his record to 28-1, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s top fighters.
After the fight, Makhachev said, “It was my dream to become a double champion, and today that dream has come true.” When asked about future challenges, he jokingly addressed former U.S. President Donald Trump, saying, “Open the doors of the White House, I’m coming.”
With this win, Makhachev also entered the UFC elite class, equaling the record of former lightweight champion Anderson Silva with 16 consecutive victories. Only 11 fighters in UFC history have held two belts at the same time.
