Tweet
On November 16, 2025, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, the main event of UFC 322 brings together two elite champions: Della Maddalena defending the UFC Welterweight Title against Makhachev, the former UFC Lightweight Champion moving up in weight. Wikipedia+1
This fight is loaded with meaning: for Della Maddalena, it’s his first title defence at 170 lbs; for Makhachev, it’s a quest to become a two-division champion. Both fighters bring distinct styles, strengths and challenges.
Fighter Profiles & Background
Jack Della Maddalena
Islam Makhachev
Key Storylines & Stakes
Tactical Breakdown
What Della Maddalena must do to win
What Makhachev must do to win
Predicted Scenarios
Potential Weaknesses & Wild-Cards
Why This Fight Matters
Conclusion
As the walk-out draws near, the stage is set for one of the most intriguing fights of the year. If Jack Della Maddalena can keep the fight standing and apply his power, we may see an upset. If Islam Makhachev imposes his wrestling and control, he could cement his place among the all-time greats by becoming a two-division champ.
No matter the outcome, fans should expect a tactical chess match, significant grappling-vs-striking exchanges, and possibly a fight that defines careers. Either way, UFC 322’s main event is must-see.
If you like, I can pull round-by-round predictions, detailed stats sheet, and how to watch in ****ladesh (time-zone). Would you like me to do that?
This fight is loaded with meaning: for Della Maddalena, it’s his first title defence at 170 lbs; for Makhachev, it’s a quest to become a two-division champion. Both fighters bring distinct styles, strengths and challenges.
Fighter Profiles & Background
Jack Della Maddalena
- Record: 18-2 (as of Aug 2025) with 12 KO/TKO victories — roughly a 67% finish rate. India Today+1
- Undefeated in the UFC to date (8-0) and has earned multiple performance bonuses for exciting fights. India Today+1
- Won the welterweight belt at UFC 315 by defeating Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision, showcasing improved takedown defence and striking discipline. Reuters+1
- Style: Aggressive striker with heavy hands, strong boxing background, and pressure-forward approach. His coach has emphasised his improved takedown defence. MMA Mania+1
Islam Makhachev
- Record: 27-1 (as of Aug 2025) with a long winning streak (14 or more fights depending on source) in the UFC’s lightweight division. India Today+1
- Renowned for his elite wrestling, grappling, takedown statistics (approx. 53.7% takedown accuracy) and takedown defence (approx. 90.9%). India Today
- Lightweight Champion with multiple successful title defences, now moving up to welterweight to challenge Della Maddalena. Yahoo Sports+1
- Style: Well-rounded with high-level wrestling, solid striking, top control and endurance. His transition up in weight raises questions about how his body will adapt.
Key Storylines & Stakes
- Two-division ambition: If Makhachev wins, he will join the elite list of fighters who captured titles in two weight classes simultaneously. India Today
- First defence for Della Maddalena: The Aussie champion has to prove his title reign is real, not just a single win. The leap to facing a fighter of Makhachev’s calibre is massive.
- Size and weight difference: Makhachev is moving up in weight — this raises questions about his cardio, power, durability at 170 lbs, and how Della Maddalena’s size/strength advantage may play out. MMA Fighting+1
- Pressure and legacy: Both fighters are in eras of peak performance; the winner boosts legacy, the loser faces big questions.
Tactical Breakdown
What Della Maddalena must do to win
- Keep the fight standing, utilise his boxing and pressure-striking to land heavy shots. His finish rate and KO power are major assets. India Today
- Defend the takedown — Makhachev’s game starts with getting it to the mat. Expert takedown defence was crucial in his win over Muhammad. Yahoo Sports
- Use size, strength and possibly a faster pace to prevent Makhachev from settling into his rhythm.
- Dress the game plan with movement and variety, preventing Makhachev’s grappling from dictating the pace.
What Makhachev must do to win
- Get takedowns early, secure top control, grind out rounds and avoid being out-struck. He thrives when he dictates grappling rhythm. TVL Network
- Use improved striking to set up entries and prevent Della’s boxing from dominating the early pace. His striking has improved significantly.
- Manage the extra weight and ensure cardio stays strong for a possible five-round war. As his coach noted: moving up weight has trade-offs. MMA Fighting
- Neutralise Della’s pressure early, limit his punch output and avoid chaotic stand-up exchanges where the Aussie excels.
Predicted Scenarios
- Scenario 1: Della Maddalena knocks Makhachev out in early rounds. If he lands clean, he may catch Makhachev before the grappling game fully sets in. Della’s camp is confident. MMA Fighting
- Scenario 2: Makhachev wins via decision or submission later after grinding out rounds, having locked Della down on the mat and controlled pace and position.
- Scenario 3: A hybrid — Della lands heavy early, but Makhachev survives, recovers, transitions to grappling middle rounds and wins late.
Potential Weaknesses & Wild-Cards
- For Della Maddalena: Has he faced an opponent with wrestling/grappling as complete as Makhachev? The step up is significant. If he fails to keep it upright, he could be in trouble.
- For Makhachev: Moving up in weight could affect his endurance and speed. Being heavier might reduce his takedown frequency or top control time. Della’s size advantage may matter. MMA Fighting
- A wild-card: Della’s aggression might leave openings; if Makhachev times a takedown off a over-commitment, momentum could shift fast.
- Also, the mental and pressure factor: big stage, two champions colliding — nerves, pacing and game-plan execution matter.
Why This Fight Matters
- It’s a super-fight of sorts: two champions, two divisions, high stakes.
- It tests whether a dominant lightweight (Makhachev) can move up successfully and whether the rising welterweight champion (Della) can handle that level of wrestling/grappling.
- The winner can define the welterweight division’s next chapter and reinforce their legacy.
- From a fan perspective, one side brings finishing power and boxing; the other brings wrestling dominance and control — it’s classic style-versus-style at the highest level.
Conclusion
As the walk-out draws near, the stage is set for one of the most intriguing fights of the year. If Jack Della Maddalena can keep the fight standing and apply his power, we may see an upset. If Islam Makhachev imposes his wrestling and control, he could cement his place among the all-time greats by becoming a two-division champ.
No matter the outcome, fans should expect a tactical chess match, significant grappling-vs-striking exchanges, and possibly a fight that defines careers. Either way, UFC 322’s main event is must-see.
If you like, I can pull round-by-round predictions, detailed stats sheet, and how to watch in ****ladesh (time-zone). Would you like me to do that?
Comment