Islam Makhachev Targets Historic UFC White House Fight After Defeating Maddalena

Islam Makhachev has just written a new chapter in his career. From the former lightweight king, he has now officially become the new UFC welterweight champion after defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York on Sunday, November 16, 2025, local time. 

That unanimous decision victory solidified Makhachev's grand ambition to enter a stage that hasn't even been recorded in the history of modern MMA: the UFC at the White House event.

In front of thousands of spectators, Makhachev didn't waste the opportunity to issue his challenge directly to US President Donald Trump.

"Donald Trump, let's get it started. Open the White House (for UFC at the White House), I'm coming," said Islam Makhachev after his victory.

That statement wasn't just a gimmick. Since last year, UFC CEO Dana White had indeed confirmed that Trump intends to open the White House grounds for the first UFC event in history. That event is scheduled for June 2026 and has now become the most sought-after event for elite fighters.

Former heavyweight champion Jon Jones, two-division king Ilia Topuria, and even several other rising stars have openly expressed their desire to be on that fight card. Now, Makhachev officially joins the list of names hoping to compete in that monumental event.

New Mission for the Double Champion: Defend the Welterweight Belt on the Historic Stage

The victory over Maddalena places Makhachev in a unique position. He is now one of the few fighters in UFC history to win titles in two different divisions. His winning record also thickens with 16 consecutive victories, matching the feat of legend Anderson Silva.

However, the journey in the welterweight division will not be easy. This division is currently in its most competitive phase in the last decade. Immediately after the title fight, the UFC turned its attention to who deserves to be Makhachev's first challenger.

Several candidates have emerged:

Michael Morales, who just scored a convincing win over Carlos Prates. Many analysts call Morales a future champion contender due to his aggressive style and strong stamina.

Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight king and one of the most dominant modern UFC fighters. His experience and wrestling could pose a serious test for Makhachev.

Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated fighter with an 18-0 win streak. Every one of his wins has been a finish, never by judges' decision.

The winner of Ian Machado Garry vs Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar. Muhammad himself is a figure who once trained in the same team as Makhachev, adding spice to the rivalry if that duel materializes.

For Makhachev, the challenge of defending the title is precisely what makes him even more ambitious. He celebrated the victory with his team, but it didn't take long for him to start thinking about his next opponent. With the dream of fighting at the White House, every subsequent step becomes part of a larger mission.

Maddalena Goes Home Without the Belt, New Rivalry Opens

On the other side, Jack Della Maddalena had to swallow a bitter pill. He lost the belt he had previously taken from Belal Muhammad, who is Makhachev's teammate and close friend. This defeat could pave the way for a new rivalry in the welterweight division, especially since Maddalena's position has now slipped but he remains a top contender.

Analysis from several MMA journalists suggests Maddalena must improve his ground game strategy again if he wants to challenge Makhachev again in the future. From UFC 322 fight statistics, Makhachev won the majority of grappling control time, something that has been his specialty since his dominant days in the lightweight division.

Makhachev and the Grand Ambitions of the New UFC Era

With dual-champion status, a record equaling Anderson Silva, and strong support from the Russian public and a global fan base, Islam Makhachev is now not just a fighter, but the new face of the next generation of UFC.

If the White House fight truly materializes, and if Makhachev successfully defends his belt until then, he has the potential to be the central figure in an event that could change MMA history.

One thing is certain, the journey to June 2026 will be one of the most compelling storylines in the UFC over the next two years.