Idman.biz
Yesterday, a pre-fight face-off took place between UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena and former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who is moving up to welterweight.
Idman.Biz reports that after the press conference, the two fighters did not break eye contact for a long time.
Despite the pressure of standing nose-to-nose, no physical contact occurred. The situation became even more tense when UFC President Dana White asked the fighters to look forward for a photo shoot, and White immediately intervened to prevent a possible confrontation.
Even when the fighters were presented with their title belts, Makhachev unflinchingly faced the Australian's stern gaze. The tense stare-down only ended as they prepared to leave the stage.
At UFC 322, this fight will be Maddalena's first title defense. The Australian fighter is currently undefeated in the UFC and is on an 18-fight winning streak in his career.
Islam Makhachev, as one of the most successful UFC fighters to have defended the lightweight title four times, is aiming for his second title in the welterweight division.
