Massive Night in the Big Apple: UFC 322 Preview
The highly anticipated UFC 322 event is set to take place on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This landmark card features two championship showdowns, with Jack Della Maddalena defending his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev, and Valentina Shevchenko putting her flyweight belt on the line versus Zhang Weili.
Headliner Breakdown: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev
At the heart of UFC 322 lies the grudge match between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. Della Maddalena comes into this as the reigning welterweight champion, riding an impressive win streak and aiming to prove his belt isn’t a fluke. Makhachev, a former lightweight champion, has made the bold decision to move up in weight class in pursuit of becoming a two‑division titleholder.
Strategically, Della Maddalena will likely lean on his striking and footwork, aiming to keep the fight standing and away from Makhachev’s feared ground game. On the other hand, Makhachev may try to impose his wrestling pedigree and dictate the pace on the mat. If he succeeds in bringing his championship-level grappling to 170 pounds, he could overwhelm Della Maddalena. But if he has to trade on the feet, the Australian champion’s power and speed could be the difference.
Co‑Main Event: Shevchenko vs Weili — Two Legends Collide
In a highly anticipated co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko defends her women’s flyweight championship against Zhang Weili, who moved up in weight after vacating her strawweight belt. For Shevchenko, this fight is another chance to cement her legacy as one of the greatest female fighters ever. Her discipline, striking, and unerring fight IQ make her a formidable champion.
Zhang Weili, meanwhile, enters the fight fresh off vacating her previous title in pursuit of history. Her power, durability, and heart are undeniable, and she’s now targeting a second division crown. At UFC 322, the narrative is rich: two former champions, both elite in striking and grappling, meeting for the flyweight strap in a make-or-break moment.
Supporting Fights: Key Undercard Matches
Beyond the title bouts, UFC 322 is stacked. A few of the most compelling matchups:
- Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales — a welterweight clash that could have title implications. Brady brings elite grappling, while Morales packs heavy striking power.
- Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates — this fight has extra edge; Prates has publicly challenged Edwards’ heart and resilience, setting up an emotionally charged showdown.
- Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint Denis — a technical lightweight battle that could influence future rankings.
- Early prelims include a bantamweight scrap (now featherweight) between Ethyn Ewing and Malcolm Wellmaker, after a late change due to injury.
Strategic Themes & Storylines
1. Title Ambitions & Weight-Class Transitions
Makhachev’s jump from lightweight to welterweight is one of the biggest storylines of UFC 322. This is a calculated risk: if he wins, he becomes a rare multi-division champion; if he fails, it could derail his trajectory. For Della Maddalena, defending the belt means proving he belongs among the elite.
Likewise, Zhang Weili’s move up to flyweight speaks to her ambition. She’s not content with her strawweight legacy — she wants to rewrite it.
2. Legacy & Momentum
Shevchenko is already a legend. A win at UFC 322 not only secures her title but bolsters her standing in MMA history. For Weili, this is a moment to create a new chapter. The stakes are as personal as they are professional.
3. Political and Promotional Weight
Hosting UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden underscores the event’s grandeur. MSG is a symbolic stage for fighters chasing major milestones. The venue elevates the event’s importance and visibility — adding pressure and prestige for all participants.
4. Fan Engagement & Digital Reach
Beyond the cage, the UFC is leveraging digital platforms: a PlayStation Tournament tied to UFC 322 allows fans to engage with EA SPORTS’ UFC 5 and mirror fight-week intensity in gaming form.
Risks, Variables & Potential Outcomes
- If Makhachev can land takedowns early and control the pace, the fight may never stay standing — favoring him heavily.
- If Della Maddalena manages to defend takedowns and keep it upright, his striking could be devastating.
- In the women’s title fight, Shevchenko’s experience and polish may edge out Weili unless Zhang brings big power and unpredictability.
- The undercard fights have upset potential: Edwards vs Prates could swing either way depending on heart and urgency; Brady vs Morales could produce a breakout contender.
Implications After UFC 322
For Makhachev: A win would make him a two-division champion, elevating his legacy and opening up blockbuster fight opportunities. A loss, however, could force him to re-evaluate his weight-class path.
For Della Maddalena: Defending the title establishes him as a legitimate long-term star in the welterweight division. It also could lead to high-profile matchups against top contenders.
For Shevchenko: Another title defense boosts her case for “greatest of all time” status.
For Weili: A win is massive — it would make her one of the few women to hold titles in multiple weight classes, greatly enhancing her legacy.
For the division: The outcomes of UFC 322 could reshape the pecking order at 170 lbs (welterweight) and flyweight, influencing matchmaking and title trajectories for months to come.
Credit: SportBuzzHub.com
Date: November 15, 2025
