Overview
- Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous 50-45 scores, keeping him on his back for more than 19 of 25 minutes.
- Manager Ali Abdelaziz stated Makhachev will not return to lightweight, citing the benefits of a healthier cut at welterweight.
- Makhachev publicly named former champion Kamaru Usman as his preferred first defense, and Usman responded positively to the matchup.
- Shared management under Abdelaziz could streamline negotiations, though UFC leadership has not finalized the next challenger.
- Betting markets place Usman among the leading options, with Michael Morales, Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov also near the top after Morales and Carlos Prates scored statement wins at UFC 322.