Welterweight Championship at Stake: Della Maddalena Faces Undefeated Makhachev at UFC 322

New York City’s Madison Square Garden is set to host a pivotal night of mixed martial arts as UFC 322 unfolds, headlined by a highly anticipated welterweight championship bout between current titleholder Jack Della Maddalena and the formidable Islam Makhachev, who makes his divisional debut. The event, scheduled for Saturday, will see Della Maddalena defend the championship he claimed earlier this year, while Makhachev aims to extend an impressive 15-bout winning streak as he ascends to a new weight class. The main card action is slated to commence at 10 p.m. ET, following preliminary bouts starting at 6 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. ET, respectively.

The championship encounter pits two of the sport’s most compelling figures against each other. Jack Della Maddalena, 29, enters the Octagon as the defending welterweight champion, having secured the title in his most recent outing at UFC 315 this past May, where he defeated veteran contender Belal Muhammad. His rapid ascent to championship status has been marked by a blend of technical striking and relentless pressure, captivating audiences and critics alike.

Opposite him stands Islam Makhachev, 34, a fighter synonymous with dominance in the lightweight division, now making a significant move up to welterweight. Makhachev’s career trajectory has been nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a staggering 15-fight winning streak that places him among the most successful active fighters in the promotion. His grappling-heavy approach, rooted in Dagestani Sambo, has stifled countless opponents, and his transition to a heavier division introduces a compelling new dynamic to his storied career.

Current betting lines from DraftKings Sportsbook position Makhachev as the favorite at -305, meaning a bettor would need to risk $305 to win $100. Della Maddalena, despite holding the championship, is listed as the underdog at +245. This reflects the high regard for Makhachev’s undefeated run and his reputation as one of the sport’s most dominant forces, even when moving up a weight class. The odds suggest a challenging night for the defending champion, but also present a potentially lucrative opportunity for those backing Della Maddalena.

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Beyond the main event, UFC 322 features another championship clash in the co-main event, as reigning women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko (-135) prepares to defend her belt against the highly skilled Zhang Weili (+115). Shevchenko, often considered one of the greatest female fighters of all time, will look to reaffirm her dominance in the division against the former strawweight champion, who seeks to become a two-division titleholder. This matchup promises a clash of striking styles and tactical prowess.

For those seeking informed perspectives on the card, SportsLine expert Daniel Vithlani has provided comprehensive MMA predictions and betting advice. Vithlani, recognized for his highly analytical approach to UFC betting, has established a consistent winning record since his debut in January 2023, boasting a 5-0 start at UFC 283 and accumulating over $1,500 in profits on his UFC main-card picks. His notable successes include accurately predicting Sean O’Malley’s upset victory (+210) over Aljamain Sterling (-250) at UFC 292, as part of a 4-1 main card performance. Furthermore, his picks for UFC 299 included successful underdog selections on Dustin Poirier (+190) against Benoit Saint Denis (-230) and Michael Page (+110) against Kevin Holland (-130), demonstrating his acumen in identifying value in competitive matchups.

Della Maddalena’s journey to the welterweight throne commenced in March 2016. After experiencing two early career losses, he has remained undefeated, showcasing remarkable growth and determination. His breakthrough came in September 2021 with a unanimous decision victory over Ange Loosa in Dana White’s Contender Series 39, which paved his way to the UFC. His promotional debut at UFC 270 in January 2022 saw him secure a TKO victory over Pete Rodriguez, signaling his arrival with authority. With a professional record of 18-2, Della Maddalena’s offensive arsenal includes 12 wins by knockout, two by submission, and four by decision, underscoring his versatility and finishing ability.

The champion has garnered significant recognition for his performances, earning ESPN’s 2022 UFC Men’s Rookie of the Year, sharing Cageside Press’s 2022 Co-Newcomer of the Year with Jailton Almeida, and being named UFC.com’s 2022 Newcomer of the Year. His exciting fighting style has also earned him four Performance of the Night bonuses and two Fight of the Night honors. Currently, Della Maddalena holds the No. 8 spot in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings, a testament to his elite standing across all weight classes.

Islam Makhachev’s professional career began in August 2010, marked by an initial 12-bout winning streak, including a successful UFC debut in May 2015 with a submission victory over Leo Kuntz at UFC 187. His sole professional defeat came later that year via knockout against Adriano Martins. Since then, Makhachev has embarked on an unparalleled run of 15 consecutive victories, establishing himself as a dominant force. His overall career record stands at 27-1, with five wins by knockout, 13 by submission, and nine by decision, reflecting his complete skill set and ability to finish fights on the ground or on the feet.

As a former UFC lightweight champion, Makhachev successfully defended his title four times, a feat that solidified his legacy in the 155-pound division before his decision to move up in weight. He has also received accolades for his thrilling performances, earning three Fight of the Night and three Performance of the Night bonuses. Makhachev holds the record for the most UFC lightweight title wins with five and the most consecutive UFC title defenses in the division with four. His 15-fight winning streak ties him with Kamaru Usman for the second-longest win streak in UFC history, underscoring his sustained excellence.

Vithlani’s detailed analysis extends to the undercard, where he has identified several key matchups. Among his disclosed UFC 322 picks, Vithlani favors Chepe Mariscal (+120) to defeat Pat Sabatini (-140) in a featherweight preliminary bout. Providing his rationale, Vithlani stated, "Mariscal is now 5-0 in the UFC and hasn’t lost a fight since 2020. He is a scrappy fighter who welcomes a nasty affair. Mariscal uses his pace, pressure, and grittiness to intimidate his opponents and wear on them. His volume-striking attack makes him dangerous, but it’s his ability to grapple and scramble that give him the edge in this matchup."

Addressing Sabatini’s renowned grappling prowess, Vithlani added, "Sabatini is a Ju-Jitsu ace, with 13 of his 19 pro wins coming by submission. He is a savvy grappler who can keep his opponents pinned to the mat. However, I have a hard time seeing him do that to Mariscal, who has never been submitted in his 18-6 pro career. Mariscal has a 73% takedown defense rate and has shown the ability to get up when taken down. If this fight plays out on the feet, Mariscal’s relentlessness will overwhelm Sabatini." This pick highlights Vithlani’s emphasis on fighter resilience and stylistic matchups.

The UFC 322 main card features several other compelling matchups alongside the two championship fights. Sean Brady (-140) is set to face Michael Morales (+120) in a welterweight clash, pitting Brady’s strong grappling and control against Morales’s undefeated record and striking power. Leon Edwards (+160) will take on Carlos Prates (-190) in another intriguing bout, with both fighters looking to make a statement in their respective divisions. Additionally, a highly anticipated lightweight contest features Beniel Dariush (+165) against Benoit Saint-Denis (-195), a fight expected to deliver high-octane action between two relentless competitors.

The stakes are exceptionally high across the card, particularly in the main event where Della Maddalena’s reign as welterweight champion faces its most significant test against the momentum of Islam Makhachev. The stylistic clash between Della Maddalena’s precision striking and Makhachev’s dominant grappling promises a strategic and potentially explosive encounter. The outcome will not only shape the future of the welterweight division but also significantly impact the pound-for-pound rankings as two elite athletes vie for supremacy at UFC 322.

UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev Main Card Odds (Subject to Change):