Overview

• Dana White confirmed the welterweight title fight for November 15, 2025, headlining UFC 322 in New York.
• Makhachev opened around -265 with Della Maddalena near +225, prompting Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping to argue the matchup is closer than the odds.
• Della Maddalena’s camp enlisted elite BJJ coach Craig Jones to sharpen grappling and takedown defense ahead of Makhachev’s wrestle-heavy style.
• Coach Ben Vickers expects Khabib Nurmagomedov to urge Makhachev to pursue early, frequent takedowns and contends JDM has the power to score a knockout.
• Makhachev vacated the lightweight belt earlier this year to chase two-division gold, while contenders like Sean Brady and former champ Robert Whittaker publicly lean toward Della Maddalena.