Khabib Nurmagomedov, a UFC Hall of Famer, announced that Islam Makhachev will fight Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 in November 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The news came during a fan Q&A near New York on August 2, 2025,
Khabib’s Announcement and Fight Details
Nurmagomedov said at the Q&A:
“[Abdelaziz is] upset because I’m giving them information. But this is his deal with the UFC; I don’t deal with the UFC; this is his problem. We have a deal with [the UFC]. [Makhachev] is gonna fight in Madison Square Garden. They said yes.”
Makhachev, the former lightweight champion, gave up his title after four defenses to pursue the welterweight belt. Maddalena won the welterweight title by outpointing Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May 2025. The fight is scheduled for November 15, 2025, at UFC 322, aligning with the UFC’s tradition of November pay-per-views at Madison Square Garden.
Makhachev told MMA Junkie in June 2025 that fighting at Madison Square Garden would be an honor. Maddalena told ESPN in May 2025 that he’s eager to face Makhachev at the iconic venue. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed in a June 28, 2025, interview with Helen Yee that the matchup is set for Madison Square Garden.
Islam Makhachev, 33, is from Dagestan, Russia, and turned pro in 2010. He won the UFC lightweight title in 2022 by submitting Charles Oliveira and defended it four times, a record, with his last defense against Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January 2025. Known for his grappling, he beat Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski, and Arman Tsarukyan. His record is 26-1, with his only loss to Adriano Martins in 2015. Makhachev vacated his lightweight title to move to welterweight, aiming to become a two-division champion.
Jack Della Maddalena, 28, is from Perth, Australia, and turned pro in 2016. He won the welterweight title at UFC 315 by outpointing Belal Muhammad. Known for his striking and takedown defense, he’s undefeated in the UFC, with wins over Gilbert Burns and Pete Rodriguez. His record is 18-2, with losses outside the UFC. Maddalena’s size and scrambling ability make him a tough challenge, as noted by Nurmagomedov and coach Javier Mendez.
🚨 Khabib says that Islam vs JDM will happen in November at MSG 👀
“We have deal with them. [Islam] gonna fight in Madison Square Garden. They said yes.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 3, 2025
Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated at 29-0 in 2020, coaches Makhachev and believes Maddalena’s skills make this his toughest fight yet.
Makhachev is preparing for his welterweight debut, bulking up for 170 pounds. A win could lead to fights against Kamaru Usman or Shavkat Rakhmonov, as Nurmagomedov suggested. Maddalena aims to defend his title and claim Makhachev’s pound-for-pound ranking.
