Overview
- Islam Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena over five rounds at UFC 322, landing every takedown and controlling more than 19 minutes to claim the welterweight belt.
- Makhachev publicly named Kamaru Usman as his preferred opponent, and Usman welcomed the callout, noting both share manager Ali Abdelaziz, which could ease negotiations.
- SportsBetting.ag lists Usman as a slight favorite to be next, with Michael Morales, Ian Machado Garry, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ilia Topuria among other leading options.
- Undefeated Michael Morales and Carlos Prates boosted their cases with emphatic knockouts, and Morales posted a pointed message to Makhachev while saying he will accept whatever bout the UFC offers.
- Valentina Shevchenko shut out Zhang Weili to retain the flyweight title and tie Amanda Nunes’ female record for title‑fight wins, as Nunes signaled a move to 125 pounds to pursue a trilogy and Shevchenko acknowledged Nunes or Kayla Harrison as possibilities.