Overview

• Jack Della Maddalena is slated to defend the welterweight belt against Islam Makhachev in the UFC 322 main event at Madison Square Garden, widely reported for November 15.
• Head coach Javier Mendez says he is rewatching opponent tape and studying Della Maddalena’s striking in unusual depth, calling the champion’s offense diverse and dangerous.
• Reports reference unverified whispers of a sparring knockout as part of the caution around Della Maddalena’s stand‑up threat to Makhachev.
• Makhachev shared training footage and a message that he will rest only after becoming champion on November 16, a note that contrasts with reports of a November 15 event date.
• Mendez warns that Makhachev is not an easy matchup on the feet and rejects suggestions that the challenger’s chin or stand‑up can be discounted.