Why UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden feels different
New York fight weeks carry a charge, and UFC 322 has it humming. Under the historic lights and the UFC banner, the welterweight throne is up for grabs in Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena, while a true women’s MMA superfight crowns the co-main in Shevchenko vs. Zhang. The rest of the bill? All pressure points—rankings, resumes, and reputations.
Main event stakes — can Islam’s greatness travel to 170?
Islam Makhachev’s move toward two-division royalty runs through a champion with live hands and stubborn takedown defense. Expect layered wrestling and pocket traps early as he tries to ground the Aussie’s rhythm. The A-side buzz is real.
Welterweight Islam Makhachev looking BIG 👀💪 #UFC322
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 9, 2025
(via @Usmannmgdv) pic.twitter.com/1HPNsu7ZhW
Complete domination his last time out 💪@MAKHACHEVMMA is coming for the welterweight title Saturday at #VeChain #UFC322!
— UFC (@ufc) November 10, 2025
[ 10pmET on @ESPN PPV ] pic.twitter.com/m6SWsIbz2U
Co-main event — Shevchenko vs. Zhang is a legacy fight
Shevchenko vs. Zhang is razor-close on paper: a precise counter-kicker against a surging, complete pressure fighter. It’s the kind of matchup that shifts pound-for-pound debates for years.
When Valentina Shevchenko made UFC history after her title win last year as the first fighter to earn eight rubies on her championship belt 💎
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 9, 2025
One of the greatest of all time 🔥 #UFC322
(via @BulletValentina) pic.twitter.com/FCekalpQTJ
Welterweight shuffle & contender traffic
Two pivotal 170ers collide in Morales vs. Brady, an unbeaten finisher versus a suffocating top player. Meanwhile, the striking showcase Prates vs. Edwards pairs a streaking KO artist with a former champion. Add lightweight violence in Saint-Denis vs. Dariush and you’ve got a main-card powder keg.
Prelims packed with questions
Prospect pressure meets world-class grappling in Nickal vs. Vieira. Expect clean kickboxing angles in Kopylov vs. Rodrigues, depth at flyweight in Cortez vs. Blanchfield, and veteran savvy in Meerschaert vs. Daukaus. Don’t skip the early slate: Mariscal vs. Sabatini, Kline vs. Hill, Haddon vs. Wellmaker, and the rising-tide opener Susurkaev vs. McConico.
Fight Card — UFC 322 (Madison Square Garden)
Main Card
Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena — Welterweight Title
Shevchenko vs. Zhang — Women’s Flyweight Title
Morales vs. Brady — Welterweight
Prates vs. Edwards — Welterweight
Saint-Denis vs. Dariush — Lightweight
Prelims
Nickal vs. Vieira — Middleweight
Kopylov vs. Rodrigues — Middleweight
Cortez vs. Blanchfield — Flyweight
Haddon vs. Wellmaker — Bantamweight
Early Prelims
Meerschaert vs. Daukaus — Middleweight
Mariscal vs. Sabatini — Featherweight
Kline vs. Hill — Strawweight
Susurkaev vs. McConico — Lightweight
FAQ
What is UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden?
UFC 322 is a New York pay-per-view under the UFC banner headlined by Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena with Shevchenko vs. Zhang as the co-main.
Which fights shape the welterweight picture at UFC 322?
The title bout Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena, plus contenders’ clashes Morales vs. Brady and Prates vs. Edwards.
What are the must-watch prelims at UFC 322?
Nickal vs. Vieira, Kopylov vs. Rodrigues, and Cortez vs. Blanchfield headline a deep undercard.
Who else is featured on the early slate at UFC 322?
Keep an eye on Meerschaert vs. Daukaus, Mariscal vs. Sabatini, Kline vs. Hill, and Susurkaev vs. McConico.
