Makhachev is thrilled by the massive crowd support and has a tense face-off with champion JDM at the UFC 322 press conference.

Makhachev backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Islam makhachev experienced a special moment at the press conference of UFC 322Last Thursday (13), in New York (USA), the Russian, one of the protagonists of the event alongside Jack Della Maddalena, was the highlight of the ceremony. Accustomed to being booed, the athlete received the affection of the public and, surprised, did not hide his happiness with the positive reaction. In any case, when facing the holder of the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg), the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) changed his tune and showed all his seriousness.

With each statement, Makhachev was cheered by the crowd. The event was so unexpected that it made the Russian smile and celebrate. Grateful for the warm reaction from the fans, the athlete made a point of thanking them and described the moment as one of the most special and unforgettable of his career. On the other hand, the Australian, who is defending his welterweight title for the first time, was booed from beginning to end and even appeared uncomfortable.

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After enduring scrutiny from fans and journalists, Della Maddalena and Makhachev faced off in a tense confrontation, befitting the importance of the main event. Without greetings, the stars of the show displayed great courage. After being separated, as neither could stop staring at the other, the athletes stepped forward and faced off again on stage, forcing Dana White to separate them. This only increased the already high anticipation for the fight.

Find out what Makhachev said at the UFC 322 press conference.

“I’m very excited. When I was in Australia, the people, the crowd, supported my opponent. Now that we’re in the United States, people are supporting me. Thank you, everyone. It’s incredible.”

“This is my dream, and I’m very close to achieving it. Throughout my professional career, when I became lightweight champion, my dream was to be champion in two weight classes.”

"Guys, what do you think? I don't know. All the fighters have good striking. Della Maddalena is one of the best, but I'm also a good striker. We'll see who's the best."

“I feel like I’m still the champion. I haven’t lost my belt to anyone. I just came to get the second one.”

"Thank you all for coming. I'm so happy to be fighting in the biggest arena in the world, and when the whole crowd is cheering you on, it's the best day of my life. Thank you."

"I don't know. I'm not thinking about that right now. I'm thinking about the belt. I've spent my whole life wanting to be champion and now I'm close to that dream."

“Australia is a good place. I’ve been there and I liked it. Right now, I’m 3-0 (against fighters from Oceania). I’m going to win the fourth.”

"My job is simply to beat people. Who's next? You can ask Dana."

"Perhaps you can all come to Dagestan so we can celebrate together. For two or three years."

Faced between Della Maddalena and Makhachev

FOR WELTHEIGHT GOLD

Jack Della Maddalena vs @MAKHACHEVMMA

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- UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2025