Islam Makhachov became a two-division UFC champion after dominating Jack Del Maddalena to win the light heavyweight title in New York – on a night England’s Leon Edwards suffered a third straight defeat.
Edwards was defeated by Carlos Prates, losing by knockout in the second round after the Brazilian hit him with a straight left.
The 34-year-old’s latest setback came after he was submitted by Sean Brady in March and a decision loss to Belal Muhammad in July 2024 when he won the light heavyweight title.
Edwards has lost his last three fights
Edwards’ position in the pecking order is unclear, but Makhachev is now atop the light heavyweight division after a comprehensive victory at Madison Square Garden.
All three judges scored the Russian’s fight with Australian Della Maddalena 50-45 in his favor as the former lightweight champion took his career record to 28-1 with his 16th straight victory.
The 34-year-old’s winning streak is tied with Anderson Silva for the longest in UFC history.
Makhachev, who hasn’t won since 2015, said afterwards: “This is a dream. I’ve been fighting for this all my life. I’ve worked hard for this moment.
“My life changed (after moving up to welterweight from lightweight). I didn’t have to cut weight. I can do whatever I want. It made this night easier.”
Russian Islam Makhachov reacts after winning the UFC light heavyweight title
“Open the White House, I’m coming,” Makhachev added, referring to the event on Washington’s South Lawn in June 2026.
Makhachov vs Topuria in the future after being called ‘boring’ by the Russians?
Della Maddalena, who won the featherweight title by defeating Muhammad in his previous bout in May, struggled to deal with Makhachev’s calf kicks, head and grappling ability as he saw his record fall to 18-3.
In the future, Makhachov could face the current UFC lightweight champion Ilya Topuria, and the latter will criticize the Russian on social media.
The Georgian wrote on X: “You are the most boring thing in this game. Every day I am more certain that I put you to sleep.”
Elsewhere in New York, Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her flyweight title with a victory over former strawweight champion Zhang Whaley, matching Amanda Nunes for the most UFC title wins with 11.
Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her flyweight title at Madison Square Garden
Shevchenko, 37, was awarded every round by the judges
“This is a martial arts skill,” she said. “When there’s an opponent who’s super tough in his weight class against all the other opponents, but when they’re here, in front of me, I can’t do anything.
“I was ready for the toughest challenge. I knew I couldn’t trade with Veili; she has super striking power. So I worked very hard and smart to use distance and grappling.”