ISLAM MAKHACHEV fought back the tears after writing his name into history with a blowout victory over Jack Della Maddalena.
The Russian wrecking machine challenged JDM for the welterweight title in the main event of UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden early this morning.
After dominating all comers at lightweight, Makhachev, 34, moved up from lightweight to try to become only then tenth male fighter to hold titles in two weight classes.
And the Dagestani destroyer did just that with a destructive victory over JDM, who he beat via unanimous decision, in front of a raucous crowd at MSG.
All three judges scored the contest 50-45 in favour of the fan favourite.
Victory over JDM saw Makhachev further surpass his mentor and MMA icon Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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In January, he claimed the record for the most defences of the 155lbs title with a submission victory over Renato Moicano.
And claiming a second belt will, in the eyes of many, has him eclipse the achievements of Hall of Famer Nurmagomedov.
And after fighting back the tears as he sat atop the octagon cage with both belts, he celebrated with his mentor and social media sensation pal Hasbulla.
In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, he said: “This is a dream.
“All of my work for these two belts. I am really happy. The belt is so heavy and I like it.
“I worked hard for this moment. My life has changed.
“No cut weight, five rounds non-stop, I can wrestle, I can do whatever I want.
“This is my plan. It’s not a secret. My opponents all know this and nobody can stop it.”
JDM immediately took the centre of the octagon and uncorked a three-punch flurry at the challenger.
But he was soon on his back courtesy of a sweeping takedown from the challenger after fans exchanged chants for both men.
Della Maddalena did well to scramble back to his feet but was unable to shake off the Dagestani until the end of the round, during which he was warned about an illegal upkick.
After the restart, JDM was hesitant to throw punches in bunches for fear of being taken down.
Makhachev then partially landed a head kick before securing a clinch and taking JDM down again and using crushing pressure to ride him out until the end of the round.
Makhachev targeted the calf of the champion early in the third and briefly wobbled him.
But JDM came forward seconds later and his best moment of the fight in the clinch, where he landed some hard uppercuts.
This is a dream. All of my work for these two belts.
Islam Makhachev
His joy, however, was short-lived as he was taken down again by a big double leg and kept on the canvas until the horn.
Both men came close to landing devastating head kicks early in the fourth, which was once again saw JDM get taken down by a double leg.
But this time, Makhachev managed to take his back and started looking for a rear-naked choke.
JDM didn’t panic, like so many before him have, and he defended the submission attempt well.
Sensing he was down on all the scorecards, JDM put his foot on the gas and looked to land heavy shots.
He sought to take out the challenger with a hard flying knee but ended up being caught in midair and taken down again.
Makhachev attempted a kimura shortly thereafter, but JDM defended well.
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Sensing his dream of becoming a two-division champion was within touching distance, Makhachev prioritised position over submission for the last two minutes – much to the frustration of fans – and rode out JDM until the final horn.
The boos, however, soon turned to cheers as Makhachev rose to his feet after the final horn and awaited the judges’ confirmation of his victory.
