Overview

• UFC 322 is confirmed for November 15 at Madison Square Garden, with welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena defending against Islam Makhachev, who vacated the lightweight belt to move up.
• Betting markets opened with Makhachev favored and have since moved further his way, reflecting early action on the challenger.
• Coach Javier Mendez cites Makhachev’s exceptional strength as a key to handling bigger opponents and says he is studying Della Maddalena’s tape for the first time in an Islam camp.
• A teammate’s video shows Makhachev saying he will rest on November 16, underscoring an all‑business approach through fight night.
• Robert Whittaker publicly picks Della Maddalena and highlights his underrated jiu-jitsu and hands, as Michael Bisping calls the widening odds disrespectful, while the champion extends work with grappling ace Craig Jones and has discussed insights from Alexander Volkanovski.