In the world of mixed martial arts, the spotlight will soon shine on Islam Makhachev as he prepares to step into the octagon at UFC 322, where he will challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title. After a successful reign in the lightweight division, Makhachev’s decision to ascend in weight offers not only a fresh challenge but also a compelling narrative within the sport, underscoring his pursuit of greatness among elite competitors. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a highlight of the 2025 fight calendar.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Islam Makhachev is set to compete for his first title in the welterweight division, facing off against reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Makhachev, who last fought in January and successfully defended his lightweight title against Renato Moicano, made the bold decision to vacate his belt and climb to a higher weight class in pursuit of new opportunities and challenges. This match is highly anticipated within the MMA community, as it signifies a pivotal moment in Makhachev’s career.
The highly awaited UFC 322 event will take place on Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Fans can expect the main card to kick off at 10 PM ET (03:00 GMT on Sunday), with the Della Maddalena-Makhachev main event expected around 11:30 PM ET (04:30 GMT on Sunday). The preliminary fights will commence at 8 PM ET (01:00 GMT on Sunday).
Makhachev’s elevation to the welterweight division comes after he expressed the challenges associated with maintaining weight in the 155-pound category. The accomplished fighter revealed that the weight cut negatively impacted his performance and recovery, stating that moving up has allowed him more culinary freedom and improved his mindset for competition.
The clash between Della Maddalena and Makhachev promises to be particularly intriguing due to their contrasting fighting styles. Della Maddalena, renowned for his precision striking and Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills under the guidance of coach Ben Vickers, poses a formidable challenge to Makhachev, whose grappling and wrestling prowess is complemented by his effective striking abilities developed under the mentorship of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Bookmakers currently favor Makhachev as the -275 favorite, while Della Maddalena is listed as a +225 underdog. This discrepancy reflects the expectations surrounding Makhachev’s impressive track record, which includes a remarkable 15-fight win streak. However, Della Maddalena will undoubtedly be looking to upset the odds, building off his own momentum after defeating Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title earlier this year.
As speculation arises over potential future bouts, including a highly anticipated match against Ilia Topuria should Makhachev secure victory, the buzz surrounding UFC 322 continues to grow. Makhachev’s journey from a lightweight champion to a rising contender in the welterweight division will be closely monitored, heralding a new era in his illustrious career.
In addition to the main event, UFC 322 will feature a co-main event where women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko of Kyrgyzstan defends her title against Zhang Weili from China. This matchup only adds to the excitement of what promises to be a thrilling night of MMA action.
As fans prepare for the electrifying showdown, Al Jazeera Sport will provide live updates and commentary during the event, which will also be available for viewing through various pay-per-view platforms.
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