NEW YORK — Islam Makhachev needed a unanimous decision to defeat Jack Della Maddalena to win the 170-pound championship and tie the UFC record of 16 straight victories to cap a pair of lackluster title fights on Saturday night at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden.

Makhachev — never seriously tested in the lopsided bout — proved to be the better grappler and used repeated takedowns to neutralize Della Maddalena’s offense and go on to win 50-45 on all three cards.

Makhachev (28-1) surrendered his lightweight title earlier this year after four straight title defenses so he could move up and go for gold in another weight class. He’s matched UFC Hall of Fame fighter Anderson Silva for the record of 16 straight wins.

Makhachev joined a short list in UFC history — the company just celebrated th

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