UFC 322 fight week delivered its usual drama, but this time the tension came from the scale. As the official weigh ins wrapped up inside Madison Square Garden, 23 of the 24 fighters made weight without issue. The lone exception was lightweight veteran Beneil Dariush, who came in over the limit for the second time in his career.
Despite the hiccup, the card remains intact, and all championship fights are confirmed for Saturday night in New York City.
Dariush Comes In Heavy Once Again
The biggest headline from the morning belonged to Beneil Dariush. The longtime contender stepped onto the scale at 157.2 pounds, landing 1.2 pounds over the maximum allowed for a non title lightweight bout.
This marks the second time Dariush has missed weight in his 25 UFC appearances, the previous miss occurring in August 2020 before a fight with Scott Holtzmann.
A Costly Miss
Because of the overage, his matchup against Benoit Saint Denis will proceed at a catchweight. Dariush will also surrender 20 percent of his purse to Saint Denis, a standard consequence for coming in heavy. The exact figures remain private, since fighter pay is not publicly disclosed in New York.
Championship Fights Ready to Go
While Dariush dealt with setbacks on the scale, both championship bouts hit the mark perfectly, clearing the way for two historic title showdowns.
Makhachev Makes His Welterweight Debut
Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev officially weighed in at 170 pounds, marking his first step into the welterweight division. His move up the ladder brings massive stakes as he aims to become a two division UFC champion.
He meets reigning welterweight titleholder Jack Della Maddalena, who registered at 169.8 pounds, confirming the matchup without a hitch.
Shevchenko and Zhang Hit the Flyweight Mark
The co main event also carries generational significance. Flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko and former strawweight champion Zhang Weili both weighed in at 124.6 pounds, clearing their highly anticipated 125 pound title clash.
Zhang vacated her strawweight crown to pursue this opportunity, while Shevchenko aims to reinforce her dominance after returning to championship form.
Other Main Card Results
The rest of the main card saw smooth weigh ins across the board.
Welterweight Matchups Set
Sean Brady came in at 169.4 pounds for his bout against Michael Morales, who weighed 170.6 pounds with the one pound allowance.
Leon Edwards also hit 170 pounds on the dot for his fight against Carlos Prates, who came in at 169.6 pounds.
With no further complications, the entire UFC 322 lineup is officially set for Saturday.
A Monumental Night Ahead at Madison Square Garden
With two title fights, a potential two division champion in the making, and one of the most talent packed cards of the year, UFC 322 is poised to be one of the promotion’s most pivotal events.
Islam Makhachev stands on the verge of history as he attempts to match Anderson Silva’s legendary winning streak. Jack Della Maddalena looks to stop that rise and solidify himself as the new global face of the welterweight division.
Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili meet in a matchup that could shift the balance of the women’s flyweight division for years to come.
And Beneil Dariush, despite missing weight, will still attempt to rebound against one of the division’s fastest rising finishers in Benoit Saint Denis.
Final Verdict
The UFC 322 weigh ins delivered clarity, a touch of suspense, and just enough controversy to add an extra layer to fight night. Only one fighter came in heavy, but the main attractions remain intact.
Madison Square Garden is set for a night of championships, legacy stakes, and potential history in the making. Whether it is a new champion emerging or a dominant reign continuing, the world will be watching when the lights go up in New York City.
