Makhachev to fight Della Maddalena for welterweight title at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev, the former UFC lightweight champion, will challenge welterweight titleholder Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 on November 15 at Madison Square Garden, a move that marks his first fight at 170 pounds and a bid to become a two-division champion. As he prepares for the main event, Makhachev has framed the change as a bid for better recovery and performance while also speaking publicly about his training, influences and how he intends to raise his three children.

Makhachev said he has long been hindered by the severe cut to 155 pounds and expects the shift to welterweight to improve his stamina in later rounds. He has added creatine and increased his strength work for this camp, saying the supplement helped him gain weight and recover more effectively. He told reporters he aims to weigh about 87 kilograms in camp and near 83 kilograms during fight week, and that the lighter recovery demands should change how he feels in championship rounds.

The Dagestani fighter will enter Madison Square Garden under the tutelage of Khabib Nurmagomedov, his mentor since youth. Makhachev described Nurmagomedov as central to his development and said the former champion has urged a...