“Huge Muslim Community in NY” – Dana White Reacts to Islam Makhachev’s Star Power at UFC 322

Dana White discusses Islam Makhachev’s star power at UFC 322, noting the huge Muslim community in New York.

“Huge Muslim Community in NY” – Dana White Reacts to Islam Makhachev’s Star Power at UFC 322

Dana White talks about Islam Makhachev's star power (via MMA Fighting, Instagram)

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Superstar status has long shaped the UFC’s biggest moments, with Dana White frequently highlighting its importance in driving the sport forward. Fighters who can command attention often define entire events, elevating both their careers and the promotion. This dynamic was evident at the UFC 322 press conference, where Islam Makhachev displayed the type of presence White has consistently praised.

Makhachev entered the UFC in 2015, winning his debut before suffering a knockout loss to Adriano Martins in his second outing. That defeat remains the only blemish on his record, as he has since built a 15-fight winning streak. The run includes victories over elite contenders and culminated in him submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 to capture the lightweight title.

Ahead of UFC 322, Makhachev vacated his lightweight title to move up and challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight belt. The matchup gives him a chance to pursue two-division championship status. At the New York press conference, he received strong support from the crowd. White later addressed the contrasting boos for Maddalena and explained the factors behind the reaction.

Obviously there’s a huge Muslim community out here in New York, and also you have to look at the fact that Islam is looked at as one of the best ever. Islam has done so much. It’s basically like a Muslim country right now. I’m sure Jack is feeling it.

Dana White via FOX Sports

White has repeatedly stressed that fighters must build their own careers by creating their own identity, momentum, and marketability. He has maintained that a superstar appeal is essential to becoming a headlining attraction. His comments surrounding UFC 322 aligned with this philosophy, framing crowd responses as part of the broader landscape of stardom.

Makhachev’s rise from the mountains of Dagestan has been built on discipline and constant development. He improved his English and promotional presence as his profile grew on the primary stages. Guided by Khabib Nurmagomedov, he refined his style and preparation at the elite level. That progression resulted in dominant wins over Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano.

With UFC 322 approaching, the stakes reach beyond the welterweight title itself. A victory could position Islam Makhachev as a two-division champion and further elevate his legacy. Dana White has highlighted how moments like these define superstar trajectories. The event now stands at the intersection of performance, reputation and long-term impact on the sport.

Dana White reveals the stakes around Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena

The matchup between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena has become the central discussion within the MMA community as UFC 322 approaches. Fans and analysts see the bout as a stylistic duel between Makhachev’s grappling excellence and Maddalena’s elite striking. Both fighters are considered evenly matched at the highest level, adding intrigue to an already high-stakes title fight.

Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322
Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 (via MMA Mania)

Makhachev enters the event with the chance to tie Anderson Silva’s historic win streak while also pursuing a second divisional title. Maddalena, meanwhile, seeks to reaffirm his position as the undisputed welterweight champion by defeating one of the UFC’s biggest names. Dana White has described the magnitude of what a victory would mean for Maddalena, framing it as a career-defining moment.

If Jack wins this weekend, he’s beaten one of the greatest of all time. He might feel disrespected today, but you have to look at who he is going against. His whole life will change on Sunday if he beats Islam Makhachev.

Dana White via FOX Sports

For Maddalena, a win at UFC 322 would silence doubters and disrupt the confidence many fans place in Makhachev’s dominance. Such a victory would also carry significant implications for the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, potentially shifting the top positions, as Islam Makhachev currently sits in second place and JDM is in eighth position, due to his recent championship win.

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