Overview
- - UFC 322 is set for Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden, where Jack Della Maddalena defends the welterweight belt against Islam Makhachev after the pair’s first fight-week staredown atop the Empire State Building.
- - Moving up from 155 pounds after vacating his title, Makhachev enters on a 15-fight UFC win streak and could tie Anderson Silva’s record of 16 with a victory.
- - Coach Javier Mendez calls this Makhachev’s best camp, noting improved strength and preparation as photos show a noticeably larger frame following his first-time use of creatine.
- - Della Maddalena says he plans to keep the fight standing and “send him packing back to 155,” carrying an underdog mindset after honing takedown defense against wrestlers.
- - Looking ahead, Makhachev has named Kamaru Usman as his preferred first defense if he wins, and Mendez adds Ilia Topuria as another high-profile option, while Usman signals he’s ready.