UFC 322: Dual Divisional Dominance on the Line as Champions Chase History at Madison Square Garden

New York City is poised to host what is being heralded as the most anticipated pay-per-view event of 2025, UFC 322, live from the iconic Madison Square Garden this Saturday. The card marks a historic first for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, featuring two simultaneous bouts where reigning champions from different weight classes will challenge for a second title, aiming to achieve coveted "champ-champ" status. The implications for fighter legacies and the landscape of two divisions are profound, making this event a pivotal moment in mixed martial arts history.

The main event pits reigning lightweight king Islam Makhachev against welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, a clash that will test Makhachev’s dominance at 155 pounds against the power and precision of the 170-pound division’s top fighter. Makhachev, boasting an formidable professional record of 29-1, with 18 wins in the UFC, has solidified his position as arguably the pound-for-pound best fighter in the sport. Since capturing the lightweight title in late 2022, he has successfully defended it multiple times against elite contenders such as Alexander Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira, showcasing his peerless Sambo grappling, relentless pressure, and increasingly dangerous striking. His move to welterweight is a direct challenge to his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy, with many drawing parallels to the Dagestani dominance that has reshaped the sport. "Islam has cleared out the lightweight division, and this is the natural next step for a fighter of his caliber," stated his long-time coach Javier Mendez. "He believes he can conquer any weight class, and this is his opportunity to prove it against a formidable champion."

Standing in his way is Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena, the dynamic welterweight champion with a professional record of 20-2. Della Maddalena ascended to the welterweight throne through a series of stunning performances, culminating in his title capture in late 2024. Known for his crisp boxing, devastating power, and underrated defensive grappling, he has dispatched top contenders like Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, and Vicente Luque with a striking clinic that few in the division can match. Della Maddalena represents the new breed of welterweight, combining technical striking with relentless aggression. "Makhachev is a great fighter, but this is my division, my belt," Della Maddalena declared during a recent media scrum. "He’s coming up to face a true welterweight, and he’ll feel the difference. I’m ready for whatever he brings." The stylistic clash is a compelling narrative: Makhachev’s world-class wrestling and top control against Della Maddalena’s precision striking and proven ability to keep fights standing. The champion’s defensive grappling will be under its most severe test yet, while Makhachev’s ability to absorb welterweight power and maintain his pace will be crucial.

In the co-main event, another historic cross-divisional showdown unfolds as women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili challenges women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko for the 125-pound title. This bout is being widely touted as potentially the greatest women’s fight in mixed martial arts history, a testament to the caliber of both athletes. Valentina Shevchenko, "The Bullet," holds a professional record of 28-4, with 17 wins in the UFC. She has been the undisputed queen of the flyweight division for years, defending her title an unprecedented number of times against a murderers’ row of contenders including Jessica Andrade, Lauren Murphy, and Taila Santos. Shevchenko’s fighting style is a masterclass in versatility, combining elite Muay Thai striking, judo throws, and submission grappling with exceptional physical strength and fight IQ. Her dominance has led many to consider her the greatest female fighter of all time. "I’ve faced every challenge placed before me," Shevchenko asserted. "Zhang is a powerful fighter, but she is coming into my domain, my weight class, and I will show her why I am champion."

Related News :

Across the Octagon, Zhang Weili, with a professional record of 27-3, including 11 wins in the UFC, has established herself as one of the most exciting and dominant champions in the sport. After reclaiming her strawweight title, she has delivered spectacular defenses against formidable opponents like Amanda Lemos and Joanna Jędrzejczyk, showcasing her ferocious striking, powerful ground-and-pound, and ever-improving grappling. Zhang’s relentless aggression and explosive power make her a threat in any exchange. Her attempt to become the first Chinese UFC "champ-champ" would further cement her global superstar status. "I respect Valentina, but I believe in my power and my will," Zhang stated confidently. "I am here to make history, not just for myself, but for my country." The matchup presents a fascinating dynamic: Shevchenko’s surgical precision and technical prowess against Zhang’s raw power and aggressive volume. Both fighters possess the ability to finish the fight anywhere, promising a high-stakes, action-packed contest that could indeed live up to its billing as the "greatest women’s fight" ever.

Beyond the two headline acts, UFC 322 boasts a remarkably deep main card that carries significant divisional implications, particularly in the welterweight division. The "ersatz welterweight tournament" hinted at by analysts features several high-stakes matchups that could determine the next challenger for the 170-pound strap. Among these, a pivotal showdown between perennial contender Belal Muhammad (24-3, 1 NC) and undefeated phenom Shavkat Rakhmonov (20-0) stands out. Both fighters are on impressive win streaks, and their clash is expected to produce a definitive contender. Additionally, the card features a compelling bout between rising star Ian Garry (17-0) and the battle-tested veteran Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson (18-7-1), offering another pathway to title contention. These matchups ensure that regardless of the main event’s outcome, the welterweight division will have a clear direction forward.

The main card is further bolstered by a heavyweight clash between Curtis Blaydes (18-4, 1 NC) and Ciryl Gane (13-2), a fight with significant implications for the top of the heavyweight rankings, and a middleweight contest featuring Robert Whittaker (27-7) against rising contender Dricus Du Plessis (21-2). These bouts promise high-level action and underscore the depth of talent assembled for UFC 322.

Even the preliminary card is brimming with emerging talent and compelling matchups, offering what has been described as "rock-solid prelim action." Fighters looking to make "The Climb" through the ranks will have their opportunity to shine on a grand stage. A notable preliminary bout sees undefeated bantamweight prospect Umar Nurmagomedov (19-0) face off against a ranked contender, a crucial step in his ascent towards title contention. These early fights often deliver unexpected finishes and highlight future stars.

Madison Square Garden, a venue synonymous with legendary combat sports moments, provides the perfect backdrop for this historic event. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans witnessing not one, but two attempts at simultaneous two-division championship status. The stakes are immense, the matchups are compelling, and the potential for unforgettable moments is at an all-time high. UFC 322 is set to deliver an evening of unparalleled mixed martial arts action, etching new chapters into the sport’s illustrious history.