UFC 322 Preview: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev at the Garden

The fight world converges on New York City as the Ultimate Fighting Championship rolls into the iconic Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025, for UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev.

This article gives you an optimized preview for UFC 322: key fights, storylines, what to watch, and what this card could mean for the divisions.

Below is the UFC 322 Preview: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev at the Garden

Event Essentials

Date & Time: Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City.
Headline: Islam Makhachev moves up to welterweight to challenge reigning champ Jack Della Maddalena.
Co-main & supporting bouts: Big names across multiple divisions.
Branding: “VeChain UFC 322”.

Why This Card Matters

Division shake-ups: Makhachev’s leap to 170 lbs for a title shot marks a major shift in the welterweight landscape.
Star-power & legacy: With big names involved, the card holds significance beyond a single fight night.
Venue prestige: MSG remains one of the most iconic arenas in fight-sports — a win here has extra weight.
Multiple title implications: Beyond the main event, the undercard carries serious weight for future match-ups.

Key Match-Ups Breakdown

1. Main Event – Welterweight Title

Jack Della Maddalena (Champion) vs. Islam Makhachev (Challenger)

Della Maddalena holds the welterweight crown and is coming off strong performances at 170 lbs.
Makhachev is a former lightweight champion who relinquished that belt to move up.
The physical stats: Della — 5’11″, 73″ reach; Makhachev — 5’10″, 70″ reach.
Stylistic notes: Della features switching-stance striking and finishing instincts; Makhachev brings elite wrestling + control. Expect the grappling vs. striking contrast to dominate analysis.

What to watch:

Will Makhachev’s wrestling neutralize Della’s striking?
Can Della keep the fight standing and punish the heavier man?
The first couple of rounds will likely determine the pace.

2. Co-Main – Women’s Flyweight Title

Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili

A clash of champions: Shevchenko moving forward after dominating flyweight; Weili moving up (or across) divisions seeking gold.
Styles: Shevchenko is fundamentally sound, versatile; Weili brings dynamic striking and grappling danger.

What to watch:

How well Weili adapts to a new division and the size of Shevchenko.
Whether Shevchenko’s experience and composure shine in high-pressure moments.

3. Featured Welterweight Bout – Title Implications

Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates

Edwards is coming off setbacks and needs a big performance to reposition himself toward a title shot.
Prates is surging, dangerous, and could derail Edwards’ comeback.
A three-round fight format, which Edwards hasn’t done in a while, adds another layer.

Other Match-Ups & Card Highlights

Several other intriguing bouts on the card, including fighters like Sean Brady, Michael Morales, Beneil Dariush, Benoit Saint Denis etc., creating depth and excitement across divisions.
The economic stakes and momentum shifts for the winners could influence UFC match-making well into 2026.

What This Means for the Divisions

If Makhachev wins: He becomes a rare two-division champion, potentially redefining the 170 lb division, and shaking up the welterweight title picture.
If Della holds: It cements his reign and forces contenders to adapt to his dominant style.
For the women’s division, Shevchenko vs. Weili could signal the start of a new era or reinforce dominance.
For fighters like Edwards, big wins now are essential to avoid falling behind in the stacked welterweight division.

Prediction & Feel-Good Scenarios

Predicted outcomes:

Main Event: Expect Makhachev’s wrestling and octagon control to edge out Della eventually — a decision win for Makhachev.
Co-Main: A harder call — Shevchenko’s experience might carry the day, but Weili could steal a finish.
Edwards vs. Prates: A tough night for Edwards unless he can impose his will early.

Fan take-aways:

Expect fireworks and strategy clashes.
Early rounds will be telling: those who come out strong will likely dominate.
Pay attention to stamina and corner work — with high pace and big stakes, depth matters.