It’s a rare thing when four champions get to square off against each other. With the men’s welterweight and women’s flyweight belts on the line, divisional greats can be minted in a single night. Islam Makhachev moves up from lightweight to challenge current king Jack Della Maddalena while the chief support sees Weili Zhang attempting the same – moving from strawweight to flyweight in a bid for legacy. Madison Square Garden in the heart of New York will serve as a fittingly illustrious stage for UFC 322.
It speaks to the accomplishments of Islam Makhachev that he can vacate his lightweight title and immediately be favored to seize the belt in the division up. Makhachev’s reign let him enjoy champion status across three calendar years before vacating for this weekend’s opportunity.
His fourth and final title defense was a decisive one as he forced grappling specialist Renato Moicano to tap in the first round. The success can’t be doubted but Makhachev has always had a difficult time making the lightweight limit; his move up this weekend is a large point of debate but I suspect it stands to benefit him.
The native of Dagestan certainly enjoys being bigger than his opponent come fight night but he has finely tuned skills that work well even at size parity. His wrestling is a common focus but he has developed a more dangerous finishing game on the mat than the majority of his teammates.
Makhachev is downright deadly when he wraps up the neck. Front chokes synergize with his wrestling upside and allow him to capitalize quickly when opponents are desperate to rise back to their feet. In fact, I would say he has made a concerted effort to output a more aggressive top game than past years.
On the feet is arguably where Makhachev has made the biggest strides. Once an awkward, defensively liable wrestler when he entered the organization, Makhachev has done well to tighten up his striking from the bottom up.
He can quick with his feet and works well on straight lines, though his footwork gets muddied up in longer striking sequences. Surprisingly, Makhachev has found a home for sneaky counter-punching and owns sharp timing on his lead hook.
The southpaw has worked hard to develop competent striking and it melds as well with his elite wrestling as one would expect. A steady supply of feints, level changes, and surprising agility make Makhachev a handful to deal with even outside of his superb technical ability in tie-ups.
Jack Della Maddalena is no stranger to being an underdog, having taken one of the most unlikely paths to the title in the division’s history. Della Maddalena is a perfect 8-0 in the UFC but only recent years have unveiled the fighter with true championship potential.
Even in 2023, Della Maddalena scraped by with split decision wins over Bassil Hafez and Kevin Holland. A win over Gilbert Burns the following year proved similarly dramatic, as Della Maddalena needed (and got) a finish in the final round to secure victory.
One of two current champions hailing from Australia, everything changed for “JDM” in his last fight. Taking on Belal Muhammad in a five round affair, it wasn’t the first time Della Maddalena was scheduled for that duration but it was the first time he needed all 25 minutes.
Earning a clear unanimous decision win, Della Maddalena was grounded three times on nine attempts but managed to rise back to his feet fairly quickly. Anti-grappling and takedown defense were heavy focuses for Della Maddalena heading into his last contest and that theme remains true for his UFC 322 camp.
With the help of noted no-gi grappling superstar and fellow Aussie Craig Jones, there can be no doubt of Della Maddalena’s improvements on the mat. He isn’t likely to submit Islam Makhachev this weekend but he should make a decent account of himself early on while he’s fresh.
Ultimately this fight comes down to consistency. Jack Della Maddalena is apt to find some success on the feet but avoiding takedowns and doing enough to win rounds is another challenge entirely. Della Maddalena is a sharp boxer but he’s not a defensive savvy one, preferring to trust in his durability and timing to lead him through chaos.
This should aid him in striking exchanges but in the bigger picture, it can lead to sputtering mobility. Della Maddalena is at his best when he’s moving, picking his shots, and maintaining discipline. The longer this contest goes, the more Della Maddalena will stand, trade, and allow Makhachev to get close.
Despite coming up in weight, Makhachev should still own clear advantages in tie-ups. He may be required to absorb a bit of pain before he can have his way but Makhachev should find what he’s looking for here. With a multitude of tools at his disposal and the benefit of cutting less weight, I anticipate a strong, aggressive appearance from Makhachev this weekend.
Bet: Makhachev Wins By KO/TKO or Submission
Same Game Multi: Makhachev Wins By KO/TKO or Submission + Makhachev 4+ Takedowns
For Valentina Shevchenko, a fresh opponent was just what she needed to shake off the funk and get back to clean winning ways. After facing off with Alexa Grasso three times in a row across over a year and a half, seeing Manon Fiorot standing across the cage was a welcome sight.
Shevchenko handled the new task with relative ease, outclassing Fiorot on the feet and mixing in takedowns to put a bow on the performance. Now 37-years-old, Shevchenko continues to exhibit some of the clearest examples of elite, comprehensive skill at the absolute highest level.
Essentially owning two separate iterations as a fighter, Shevchenko has evolved from a sparky Muay Thai specialist in her youth to a well-rounded and composed martial artist with tremendous wrestling upside. Shevchenko technically hails from that traditional striking background but it’s no secret she has leaned heavily on wrestling and control minutes to secure victories at elite levels.
As she has aged, Shevchenko’s striking has become a less dominant force while other aspects of her skill set pick up the slack. She is still quick, mobile, and well-timed but doesn’t output the same volume with the same consistency she once did.
These days, wrestling has become a much larger part of her overall game plan. Shevchenko is certainly capable of winning minutes with her swiftness but at this stage of her career, she gets better, safer results when establishing top control and riding out rounds from there.
It’s hard to overstate how impressive Shevchenko has been for such a long period of time, but this weekend represents arguably the greatest challenge she’s faced since Amanda Nunes. Fittingly, the winner of UFC 322 will have a great claim to being the greatest female fighter in MMA history.
From a division down, Weili Zhang has been replicating greatness in a way not entirely dissimilar from her foe this weekend. With the exception of back-to-back stumbles against Rose Namajunas, victory has been a constant for the budding superstar.
The pride of China and first organizational champion from the country, Zhang has been hitting her peak across a five-fight win streak. After fighting only once in 2023 and 2024, 2025 is a welcome change of pace as UFC 322 will be Zhang’s second appearance of the year.
Though their paths to this point have been slightly different, Zhang and Shevchenko share remarkable similarities as well-rounded, elite practitioners of several martial arts. It seems an inevitability that these two will test each other in multiple areas but at this stage, I am inclined to favor Zhang’s overall skill set.
Despite coming up in weight, Zhang is a physically domineering fighter who shouldn’t be physically disadvantaged against her comparably-sized foe. Both have a deep bag of tricks at their disposal but Zhang has reliably proven a heavy hitter who can output consistent volume, thud opponents on the feet, and then toss them to the mat like a training dummy.
Things seem to be going exactly the way Weili Zhang intends and that trend doesn’t show signs of stopping, even in the biggest challenge of her career. Zhang has struggled in the past with wily, quick opponents but recent years have seen her responding to similar characteristics with far greater aptitude.
UFC 322 is a stage for greatness to be confirmed and Zhang seems positioned to benefit. Look for the native of China to get the job done, cementing her legacy as one of the best women to ever put on the gloves.
Bet: Zhang Head To Head
The first defeat in a fighter’s professional career is often a turning point but not always for the best. Since being overwhelmed and finished by Belal Muhammad in 2022, the positive shift in Sean Brady has been evident.
Three wins in MMA and another in submission grappling have set up big expectations again, but Brady seems better equipped to handle the pressure. His win streak started with a submission win over Kelvin Gastelum and was bolstered by a clean decision over Gilbert Burns. But it’s his most recent victory – a submission over Leon Edwards – that has most stoked the flames of optimism.
Brady has always been at his best on the mat but recent outings have showcased his dedication to the game plan. Playing to his strengths more than ever, Brady has been dragging everyone to the floor and dominating them from top position.
Though he’s still a bit of an underrated fighter in that aspect, Brady deserves intense respect for the kind of threat he offers on the ground. Getting fighters to the mat is one thing but Brady has been able to hold them there, smothering and stifling even elite grapplers.
Naturally, there is still some pause about what Brady can offer in extended striking contests but to this point he has rarely been forced to solve that solution. If he has his way, he will be able to escape without lengthy exchanges against the powerful Michael Morales.
Originally from Ecuador and now training out of Mexico, Morales has quickly made a name for himself as a crushing striker with concussive punching power. First round demolitions of Neil Magny and Gilbert Burns have gone a long way in aiding that reputation, but Morales is now tasked with getting a showcase win over a youthful contender.
6-0 in the UFC, Morales is a tall, athletic, strong fighter with the expected vigor of a 26-year-old. He can be defensively liable and isn’t afraid of exchanging with opponents but generally fights with more composure than he’s given credit for.
His power is undeniable and he obviously believes in its ability to end things quickly. One would enjoy a bit more consistent offense from Morales but he still seems to be putting together all the pieces of his style as he moderates power, pace, and lengthier fights against tougher opposition.
Fighting to a proper game plan will be key for Morales as he enters the cage with a significant reach advantage over Brady. While both men have shown improvements in their weak areas – particularly Brady in terms of striking – this still boils down to a somewhat binary contest.
If Brady cannot secure takedowns early and often, he’ll have trouble applying the kind of pressure that can threaten Morales’ gas tank and composure. Given this is a three-round contest when both have been scheduled for five rounds in recent outings, urgency will be pertinent.
I expect a quick start to this elite showdown but Brady appears to have the physical and technical skills necessary to get this fight where he needs it. It won’t come without resistance and a few thudding shots
to the side of the head, but Brady is poised to fight low, dominate tie-ups, ground the taller man, and secure a title shot after victory.
Bet: Brady Head To Head
It’s been a busy year for Carlos Prates and he is fortunate to squeeze one more fight in after a quick finish of Geoff Neal in his last appearance. Demonstrating his trademark power with a slick spinning back elbow, the win served as a successful rebound after suffering defeat to Ian Machado Garry earlier in the year
Taken down four times and losing a decision despite nearly seizing victory in the final moments, Prates has garnered fan fare and a vaunted reputation for his love of cigarettes and knockouts alike. Don’t let that fool you though, because he isn’t one to rush the finish.
He postures aggressively and likes to keep his opponent on their heels but will take his time to set up the killing blow. In fact, Prates can sometimes get stuck watching more than doing, giving away minutes and allowing his foe to gain traction.
When he does let his hands go, the Brazilian is capable of shutting out the lights on anyone in the division. Defensively he isn’t much to write home about but he has at least proven resilient. His status as the bigger puncher in most match-ups has been a regular boon and he will once again carry that advantage into this bout.
Leon Edwards may have earned the belt with a head kick but he isn’t particularly known for his finishing ability. A savvy and experienced former champion, Edwards enters this contest as the underdog after being submitted by Sean Brady earlier this year.
The contrasting style match-up went against Edwards in the worst way as he was grounded five times, spending over ten minutes on his back and eventually tapping in the fourth round. This marks the first time Edwards has suffered consecutive defeats and underpins the importance of this weekend.
Despite the skid, Edwards still has plenty to offer at elite levels. The most skilled, composed, and versatile he’s ever been, Edwards naturally excels in rangy striking contests but has developed his wrestling immensely over the years.
Edwards’ last five bouts came against vaunted wrestlers who pushed the pace and shot for takedowns throughout. Edwards has held up well for the most part and while many have seen his improvements from a defensive standpoint, it’s worth noting that he earned takedowns on Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and Belal Muhammad.
The Englishman is typically looked at as almost purely a striker, with wrestling being a gimmick he outputs on occasion. But a closer look at his style indicates he has turned a corner as a wrestler and is actively seeking opportunities to assert himself on the mat.
Carlos Prates is the betting favorite but not long removed from a loss to a “striker” who found great success mixing in takedowns. Prates is a walking hazard capable of ending anyone’s night with rapidity but he isn’t the slickest, quickest, or sneakiest striker in the division.
He may not be the current champion but Edwards has the deep skill set fit for one. His ability to win minutes on the outside with cagey, measured offense and consistent movement will pay dividends but I expect it to ultimately act as a setting piece for his wrestling.
Edwards is a crafty fighter honed by years of competition against well-rounded elites. At this point, he seems capable of handling an imposing but comparably raw contender in Prates. Three rounds will go by quickly in a fight this tense but Edwards should be able to stay ahead of the younger man and find victory in his requested match-up.
Rarely does victory come easily for Benoit Saint-Denis but his last appearance was a great attempt. Taking on dynamic finisher Mauricio Ruffy, it took just under two rounds for “BSD” to seal things up with a face cranking conclusion.
Since losing two in a row across a rough 2024, Saint-Denis returned to wrench back two victories in quick succession. The Frenchman is known as the “God of War” but recent outings have seen him shift his style and favor a safer approach to victory.
Saint-Denis is about to turn 30 years old but has accumulated enough damage for a career. 7-3 in the UFC, he has been a dogged competitor every time he steps into the cage but not all of those have gone his way.
Lately, Saint-Denis has been leaning on his wrestling and trying to get things done on the mat. This has served him well as he not only stays safer on the ground, but is able to impose himself a bit more effectively.
Saint-Denis is certainly not an easy man to handle on the feet but he is defensively liable and prone to being drawn into firefights. He pressures, that is for certain, but not all of it could be called intelligent. As his level of opposition has risen, Saint-Denis has found his best success dragging fighters to the floor and wearing them out with a traditionally heavy top game.
That game plan stands to hold up yet again if he hopes to justify his status as betting favorite over the crafty Beneil Dariush. The worldly veteran is also 2-2 in his last four but notched an impressive win over Renato Moicano last time out.
Despite a long career and a mane speckled with salt-and-pepper for the last half decade, Dariush isn’t as wizened as some may suggest. A perennial dark horse, Dariush may be tipping past the best days of his career but still has plenty to offer as one of the most experienced and versatile contenders in the division.
Dariush, sharing a southpaw stance with his opponent this weekend, is a tricky fighter in every sense of the word. He owns an accomplished background in grappling but has quietly developed some very effective striking over the years.
His timing in particular is an asset, allowing him to surprise and sometimes even floor opponents that otherwise wouldn’t be overwhelmed by his raw power. Dariush is not a physically imposing hammer but a carefully crafted chisel; he observes first, then begins shaving down his foe with precision.
Dariush has a tendency to lull his opponents into traps as he is exceptionally competent in all areas of a fight. In fact, Dariush may not only hold advantages on the feet but also be capable of dictating if the fight stays there.
There is no denying the physical presence of Benoit Saint-Denis but he is a comparably crude fighter with meaningful, but heavy-handed application of his skills. Saint-Denis will look to start fast and break the older man but I anticipate Dariush can navigate the storm, slow Saint-Denis down, and pick his spots to victory again.
Makhachev v Della Maddalena: Makhachev Wins By KO/TKO or Submission
Shevchenko v Zhang: Zhang Head To Head
Brady v Morales: Brady Head To Head
Prates v Edwards: Edwards Head To Head
Saint-Denis v Dariush: Dariush Head To Head
Nickal v Vieira: Vieira Head To Head
Rodrigues v Kopylov: Rodrigues Wins By KO/TKO or Submission
Blanchfield v Cortez: Blanchfield Wins By Decision
Wellmaker v Haddon: Wellmaker Wins By KO/TKO or Submission
Daukaus v Meerschaert: Daukaus Wins By KO/TKO or Submission
Sabatini v Mariscal: Sabatini Wins By Decision
Kline v Hill: Hill Wins By Decision
Susurkaev v McConico: Susurkaev Wins By KO/TKO or Submission
Camilo v Borshchev: Camilo Wins By KO/TKO or Submission