UFC aims to enhance its legacy of remarkable November events in New York City, with UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden showcasing one of the year’s most stacked lineups. Featuring two title bouts, Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev and Weili Zhang vs. Valentina Shevchenko, the event is packed with championship stakes and historic potential.
Since the lifting of New York’s MMA ban in 2016, Madison Square Garden has become a revered UFC venue. UFC 322 marks the ninth event at the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” and it promises significant impact.
Makhachev, from Dagestan, Russia, aims for history in MSG by moving up to challenge Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title. Ranked No. 2 pound-for-pound globally, Makhachev seeks a two-division championship, currently on a 15-fight win streak, one short of Anderson Silva’s all-time 16. Della Maddalena is defending his title for the first time since May. A win could pave the way for a crossover fight with top-ranked Ilia Topuria, possibly leading to UFC’s first triple-division champ, setting the sport’s future.
In the women’s flyweight championship, Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 pound-for-pound, compete for the belt. Zhang has moved from 115 lbs to 125 lbs, leaving her strawweight title, aiming to be a two-division champion, a feat shared only by Amanda Nunes. For Shevchenko, it’s a chance to reaffirm her dominance and technical prowess.
Beyond the main fights, UFC 322’s undercard includes pivotal division contests. In welterweight, Sean Brady meets undefeated Michael Morales, with potential title implications. Brady, ranked No. 2, is known for a formidable ground game, while No. 8 Morales is a rising star. The victor could be lined up for a title eliminator in early 2026.
Former champion Leon Edwards seeks redemption facing Brazilian contender Carlos Prates, part of the “Fighting Nerds” camp, known for dynamic performances. Prates arrives at MSG after a viral knockout of Geoff Neal, gaining significant attention.
In the lightweight division, veteran Beneil Dariush battles France’s Benoît Saint Denis. Dariush, ranked No. 9, aims to maintain title relevance, while No. 13 Saint Denis has impressed with his aggressive style and submissions. Both fighters are close to title contention, adding value to this key matchup.
To watch UFC 322:
– Early Prelims: 6 p.m. ET on UFC Fight Pass
– Prelims: 8 p.m. on ESPNNews
– Main Card: 10 p.m. on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View
– Tickets: Currently, the lowest prices range from $735-$790, with 300 level sections available. Prices are fluctuating as the event approaches.
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