The Australian did not last long, however, as Makhachev picked Kamaru Usman to win. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ stayed on through Matt Hughes before Georges St-Pierre’s name came up. As expected, Makhachev was the last name, and he humbly refused to crown himself the champ over the Canadian legend.

Jack Della Maddalena is being tipped to become “the biggest star of Australian sports” with a win at UFC 322, and with Dana White almost certain to gift the knockabout champ a blockbuster Perth homecoming in victory.

Jack Della Maddalena has won the UFC 170-pound title in his first attempt. He faces Islam Makhachev in his first title defense on Saturday at UFC 322. Maddalena and Makhachev had a tense face-off at the Empire State Building.

The lightweight champion teases his mindset heading into Madison Square Garden. Fans are curious about what's next for Makhachev after this weekend. The road to UFC 322 has been all business for Islam Makhachev—but that doesn't mean he's not having a little fun along the way.

SportsLine's Daniel Vithlani reveals his picks for the UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev fight card from Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday

Makhachev's first challenge in the welterweight division will be against current champion Jack Della Maddalena. The matchup is highly anticipated, given Della Maddalena's impressive credentials and recent rise in the ranks. Makhachev has praised his opponent, noting Della Maddalena's well-rounded skills and ability to adapt in the octagon.

An undefeated UFC newcomer, and Islam Makhachev's training partner, is capturing the spotlight ahead of his promotional debut, but not for the reasons you might expect.

Jack Della Maddalena is no easy fight, and even Islam Makhachev’s longtime coach Javier Mendes knows it. As Islam prepares to move up to welterweight, many are questioning if it’s the right call. UFC veteran Chael Sonnen recently weighed in, warning ...

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier believes there’s more to the story behind Islam Makhachev’s retirement timeline. UFC superstar Islam Makhachev‘s legendary career could be coming to an abrupt end after a few more appearances in the Octagon.

Dana White recently teased the possibility of a future Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria matchup. Though both compete in different weight classes, the UFC CEO described a scenario where their paths could cross. Makhachev and Topuria had been linked to a ...