Story perspectives

UFC Title Showdown: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev at MSG

11/11/2025

Summary

Della Maddalena Defends Title

Jack Della Maddalena, UFC welterweight champion, defends his title against Islam Makhachev, who moves up from lightweight, at Madison Square Garden on November 15.
Della Maddalena has an 18-fight unbeaten streak and previously defeated Belal Muhammad to win the title.
Islam Makhachev, a former lightweight champion with 15 straight wins, seeks to become a two-division champion.
The card also features a co-main title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili.

Summary

Makhachev Considers Retirement

Islam Makhachev would retire if his coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, advises it.
Islam Makhachev aims to become a two-weight champion to solidify his legacy.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev's coach, prefers that he stay at welterweight.
Jack Della Maddalena, the defending welterweight champion, aims to establish himself at 170 pounds.
Jack Della Maddalena is motivated to prove his dominance in the division.

History

Historical Context

UFC 205, held on November 12, 2016, at Madison Square Garden, marked a pivotal moment for mixed martial arts in New York, following the state's ban on professional MMA being lifted earlier that year. Conor McGregor's victory over Eddie Alvarez made him the first fighter to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously, drawing over 20,000 fans and generating $17.7 million in gate receipts, solidifying the UFC's prominence.

1 of 3

Della Maddalena Defends Title

Jack Della Maddalena, UFC welterweight champion, defends his title against Islam Makhachev, who moves up from lightweight, at Madison Square Garden on November 15.
Della Maddalena has an 18-fight unbeaten streak and previously defeated Belal Muhammad to win the title.
Islam Makhachev, a former lightweight champion with 15 straight wins, seeks to become a two-division champion.
The card also features a co-main title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili.

1 / 3