Overview
- Jack Della Maddalena defends his welterweight title against former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev on Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden in the UFC 322 main event.
- Della Maddalena says he expects frequent takedown attempts, plans to return to his feet each round, and aims to damage, “break,” and finish Makhachev for a statement win in New York.
- Makhachev enters on a long unbeaten run as he moves up in weight, with debate centering on how added size will affect his wrestling pace and endurance over five rounds.
- Predictions are split, with Michael Chandler and former JDM opponent Randy Brown giving the champion a slight edge, even as betting odds continue to favor Makhachev.
- Khamzat Chimaev picked Makhachev to prevail via wrestling, while Della Maddalena voiced interest in a future Chimaev bout after multiple welterweight defenses; the card also features Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates and Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales, with Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry a week later shaping the divisional picture.