By Charles Francioli, Year 12,
Last weekend’s UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden was a major event, marked by big title fights and milestone moments. In the main event, Islam Makhachev moved up to welterweight to face champion Jack Della Maddalena. Over five dominant rounds, Makhachev used his grappling mastery and relentless takedowns to control the fight completely, earning a unanimous decision (50–45 on all cards). With that win, he claimed the UFC welterweight title and became a two-division champion — a rare and historic achievement.
In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko defended her women’s flyweight belt against Zhang Weili. Shevchenko controlled the entire fight, landing body kicks, securing takedowns, and neutralising Zhang’s offence. She won by unanimous decision (50–45 from all three judges), reaffirming her dominance in the division.
Beyond the title fights, several standout performances took place. Michael Morales knocked out Sean Brady in the first round with punches, while Carlos Prates stunned Leon Edwards with a powerful KO. In a lightning-quick opening bout, Benoît Saint Denis secured a 16-second knockout over Beneil Dariush.
Makhachev’s win is especially significant because he extended his UFC win streak to 16, tying the record previously held by Anderson Silva. By moving up in weight and taking the title, he proved he’s not just a lightweight specialist — he can dominate at an even higher level. For Della Maddalena, it was a harsh reminder of how unforgiving the sport can be: he entered with strong momentum but was overwhelmed by Makhachev’s wrestling and control.
Shevchenko’s performance also reinforces her status as one of the most technically complete fighters in women’s MMA. Her ability to blend striking and grappling, while controlling distance and pace, made it extremely difficult for Zhang to mount any real threat. Her victory further strengthens her legacy.
This event could be a turning point for multiple divisions. With a new welterweight champion, fresh rivalries will likely emerge in 2026, and Makhachev may already be eyeing his next challenge. Meanwhile, several fighters who impressed on the undercard will likely find themselves in contention for future high-profile matchups.
