The UFC has locked in one of its biggest shows of the year. On Thursday night, UFC president Dana White went live on Instagram to confirm a stacked UFC 322 card, headlined by two championship bouts and a key welterweight clash. The event will take place on November 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, a fitting venue for what is already being billed as one of the promotion’s most historic nights.
Makhachev Chases Two-Division Glory Against Della Maddalena
In the main event of UFC 322, newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) defends his belt for the first time against former lightweight king Islam Makhachev (27-1).
Makhachev vacated his lightweight crown earlier this year after a record-setting four defenses at 155 pounds. His dominance, built on suffocating grappling and ever-improving striking, has long had fans speculating about a move up. Now, at 33, he gets his chance to make history and join the elite group of fighters who have captured titles in multiple divisions.
The Australian Della Maddalena, 28, is no tune-up opponent. Fresh off his stunning title-winning performance against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, the Perth native has run through the division since arriving from Dana White’s Contender Series. Known for his crisp boxing and relentless pressure, he has eight UFC wins in a row with five stoppages. His style could force Makhachev into deeper waters than ever before.
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s coach and mentor, has already called this “the most dangerous fight” of Islam’s career, and it’s easy to see why.
Shevchenko vs. Weili: A Superfight Years in the Making
The co-main event is a women’s clash that fans have begged for: Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) defending her flyweight crown against former strawweight champion Zhang Weili (26-3).
Shevchenko, 37, reclaimed her flyweight belt earlier this year and defended it in dominant fashion against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315. With eight career title defenses at 125 pounds, she is the most accomplished flyweight in history. Her measured southpaw striking and ironclad defense make her one of the toughest puzzles in MMA.
Zhang, 36, vacates her strawweight belt to chase history. A two-time champion at 115 pounds, she has beaten every top contender put in front of her, including a masterclass win over Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312. Known for her ferocious pace and striking volume, Weili now attempts to join Amanda Nunes as the only woman to claim UFC gold in two divisions.
Not only is this a superfight between champions, it’s also a battle between the No. 1 and No. 2 women’s pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
Edwards vs. Prates Adds More Fire at 170
Also confirmed for the card is a pivotal welterweight clash between former champion Leon Edwards (22-5) and surging Brazilian striker Carlos Prates (22-7). This comes after speculation about Prates fighting MVP at UFC Rio in October.
Edwards, one of only three British champions in UFC history, finds himself at a crossroads after back-to-back losses, including a lopsided defeat to Sean Brady. The 34-year-old’s well-rounded game, sharp kickboxing, underrated wrestling, and cage control, makes him a dangerous veteran still sitting at No. 4 in the rankings.
Prates, meanwhile, has exploded into relevance this year. At UFC 319, he delivered a highlight-reel spinning back elbow KO of Geoff Neal, earning his second straight Performance of the Night bonus. Originally rumored for a fight against Michael “Venom” Page, a matchup that nearly materialized earlier this summer, Prates instead gets Edwards, a fight that could propel him into title contention.
At 32, the Brazilian is entering his prime, bringing flashy striking and knockout power to a division suddenly full of fresh contenders.
What’s Next
With Makhachev’s bid for double-champ status, Shevchenko and Weili colliding in a superfight, and Edwards looking to hold off a dangerous new challenger in Prates, UFC 322 has all the makings of a classic Madison Square Garden card.
Dana White summed it up best in his announcement: “This is one of those cards where history is on the line. You don’t want to miss it.”
UFC 322 goes down on November 15, live from New York City.
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