UFC 322 delivers a blockbuster night of mixed martial arts at Madison Square Garden, featuring two highly anticipated title fights that pit welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena against Islam Makhachev and flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko against Zhang Weili.
The event, held on November 15, 2025, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, showcases a full card from early prelims to the main event, with fights across multiple weight classes. Early prelims began at 6:30 PM ET, followed by prelims at 8 PM ET, and the main card starting at 10 PM ET. The main event is scheduled for around 12:30 AM ET, depending on the duration of earlier bouts. This marks another major UFC event in the historic venue, known for hosting legendary combat sports moments and drawing a global audience.
In the main event, welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena defends his title for the first time against Islam Makhachev. Della Maddalena, with an 18-2 record and an impressive 18-fight win streak, captured the title in May 2025 by defeating Belal Muhammad. Makhachev, formerly the lightweight champion with a 27-1 record, vacated his belt to move up in weight, bringing his elite grappling skills to challenge Della Maddalena’s striking prowess. Both fighters are ranked in ESPN’s men’s pound-for-pound rankings, adding to the fight’s significance as a clash of styles and titans.
The co-main event features women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko against Zhang Weili. Shevchenko, a two-time champion with a record of 25-4-1, is one of the most dominant fighters in women’s MMA history, known for her precision striking and technical prowess. Zhang, a two-time strawweight champion with a 26-3 record, is moving up in weight and is on a five-fight win streak, aiming to become a champion in two divisions. This bout pits Shevchenko’s experience against Zhang’s power and agility, with both fighters holding top spots in women’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Beyond the title fights, the card includes several compelling matchups that add depth to the event. In the welterweight division, Leon Edwards faces Carlos Prates, and Sean Brady takes on Michael Morales. Middleweight prospect Bo Nickal fights Rodolfo Vieira, while the prelims feature bouts like Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint-Denis in the lightweight division. Early results from the prelims include Fatima Kline defeating Angela Hill via unanimous decision, Matheus Camilo winning over Viacheslav Borshchev, and Baisangur Susurkaev scoring a knockout against Eric McConico, showcasing the diversity of talent on display.
The backgrounds of the fighters enrich the narrative and highlight their journeys to this event. Della Maddalena’s rise from Australian regional circuits to champion has been meteoric, with his last loss occurring in 2016. Makhachev, trained by retired champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, has been a force in the lightweight division and now tests his skills at welterweight. Shevchenko, known as “The Bullet,” has a storied career with multiple title defenses, while Zhang’s journey from China to UFC stardom has inspired many fans worldwide.
The implications of these fights are profound for the UFC landscape and future matchups. A victory for Della Maddalena would solidify his reign as welterweight champion, while Makhachev could become a rare two-division champion, elevating his legacy. For Shevchenko, defending her title against a tough opponent like Zhang could reaffirm her dominance in the flyweight division, and a win for Zhang would make her a champion in two weight classes, a significant achievement in MMA history. These outcomes will influence divisional rankings, set the stage for future events, and potentially reshape the sport’s evolution.
As the event progresses, live results and analyses are being provided by outlets like ESPN and Yahoo Sports, with fans eagerly watching the action unfold. The night promises to deliver memorable moments, from early knockouts to strategic battles, and could define careers and divisions for months to come.
