UFC 322, scheduled for November 15, 2025, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, promises to be one of the most thrilling mixed martial arts (MMA) events of the year. Headlined by a monumental welterweight title clash between the reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena and former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, this event brings both high stakes and high drama to fight fans globally.
Main Event: Welterweight Championship Showdown
The anticipation for UFC 322 largely centers around the welterweight championship bout. Jack Della Maddalena, the Australian powerhouse who claimed the welterweight belt at UFC 315, will face off against Islam Makhachev, who vacated his lightweight championship earlier in 2025 to move up a weight class. Makhachev’s shift to welterweight is highly strategic, aiming to cement his legacy as one of the UFC’s greats by capturing titles in two divisions.
Makhachev’s transition from lightweight to welterweight is noteworthy. The former lightweight kingpin made four successful title defenses before relinquishing his belt, making him a formidable challenger in a new weight class. Della Maddalena, on the other hand, is eager to prove that his title win was no fluke and defend his belt on arguably one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Co-Main Event: Women’s Flyweight Championship
UFC 322 also co-headlines with a blockbuster women’s flyweight championship bout featuring Valentina Shevchenko, the two-time flyweight champion known for her precision striking and formidable grappling, against Zhang Weili, a two-time UFC women’s strawweight champ moving up in weight to challenge for the flyweight title. Zhang will vacate her strawweight belt to pursue this high-profile opportunity, setting the stage for a clash between two of the best women fighters in UFC history.
This fight has added layers of complexity and excitement as both fighters are on impressive winning streaks. Shevchenko is on a three-fight winning run, while Zhang has racked up five consecutive victories. The winner will not only retain or claim the flyweight crown but will also strengthen their standing in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Supporting Card Highlights
UFC 322 boasts an impressive undercard that adds depth and intrigue to the event. Notably, the middleweight bout between Bo Nickal, a rising star in the UFC, and Rodolfo Vieira, known as “The Black Belt Hunter,” has fight fans buzzing. Other notable matchups include:
- Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint Denis (Lightweight)
- Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez (Women’s Flyweight)
- Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues (Middleweight)
- Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Cody Haddon (Bantamweight)
- Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight)
- Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline (Women’s Strawweight)
- Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico (Middleweight)
These bouts represent a rich mix of established veterans and new contenders, ensuring nonstop action.
Venue and Experience
Madison Square Garden, often called “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” will host UFC 322, marking the UFC’s 12th visit to the venue and its first event there since UFC 309 in November 2024. The venue’s storied history and electric atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for these high-stakes battles.
Fans attending the event have access to VIP experience packages that include premium seating, access to an exclusive VIP lounge, and meet-and-greet opportunities with UFC fighters. For those unable to attend in person, ESPN will broadcast the event live, ensuring millions of fans worldwide don’t miss a moment.
Historical Context and Significance
UFC 322 holds significant importance in MMA history. Islam Makhachev’s attempt to become the 11th two-division UFC champion adds historical weight to the fight, mirroring legendary accomplishments by fighters who have conquered multiple weight classes. Additionally, Zhang Weili’s ambition to join the elite group of multi-division women champions adds a trailblazing narrative angle to the women’s flyweight title bout.
For Jack Della Maddalena and Valentina Shevchenko, these fights are career-defining moments. Della Maddalena’s first title defense will test his championship mettle against one of the sport’s most technically astute fighters. Meanwhile, Shevchenko is cementing her legacy as one of the most dominant female UFC fighters of this era.
Fight Predictions and What to Expect
Experts anticipate a tactical and thrilling main event. Makhachev’s grappling and sambo background could present a challenging puzzle for Della Maddalena’s striking prowess. The contrast in fighting styles adds excitement to the matchup, promising technical exchanges and potential dramatic moments.
In the co-main event, fans can expect a striking masterclass with Shevchenko’s precision and experience clashing against Zhang’s explosive power and pace. Both fighters have shown adaptability and resilience in prior bouts, setting the stage for a closely contested battle.
UFC 322 is shaping up to be a landmark event that showcases the best of what the UFC has to offer. With title fights that could rewrite history, compelling storylines, and a stacked supporting card, fight fans are in for an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action.
Mark your calendars for November 15, 2025, and prepare to witness UFC 322 live from Madison Square Garden, a night where champions will rise, legacies will be forged, and the spirit of competition will soar.
