Las Vegas: The UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden promises fireworks as the “UFC 322 Countdown” video takes fans behind the scenes of one of the biggest fight cards of the year. Scheduled for Saturday night in New York City, UFC 322 features not one but two champion vs. champion title fights, marking one of the most star-studded events in recent memory.
Main Event: Islam Makhachev Moves Up to Face Jack Della Maddalena for Welterweight Gold
In the main event, Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, makes a daring move up to 170 pounds to challenge newly crowned Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev, widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters on the planet, enters this bout riding a long winning streak that includes victories over Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski. A win at UFC 322 would make him a two-division champion and potentially cement his status as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Meanwhile, Jack Della Maddalena, who captured the welterweight title earlier this year with a decisive win in May, is looking to defend his belt in spectacular fashion. The Australian striker’s precision boxing and relentless pace have made him one of the fastest-rising stars in the UFC. A win over Makhachev would not only be the biggest of his career but could mark the dawn of a new era in the welterweight division.
“Islam is chasing greatness; Jack is defending his legacy. This is what champion vs. champion fights are all about,” UFC President Dana White said in the event preview.
Co-Main Event: Zhang Weili Challenges Valentina Shevchenko for the Flyweight Title
The co-main event is equally historic. Zhang Weili, the reigning UFC Strawweight Champion, has vacated her 115-pound title to move up and face former long-reigning Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko for the 125-pound crown.
Zhang, China’s first-ever UFC champion, is known for her incredible athleticism, striking power, and unmatched resilience. On the other hand, Shevchenko, a veteran of multiple title defenses, remains one of the most technically gifted fighters in women’s MMA history.
This matchup could determine the greatest female mixed martial artist of all time, with both champions having dominated their respective divisions for years.
“This fight is bigger than a belt — it’s about legacy,” says commentator Joe Rogan in the official UFC 322 Countdown video.
UFC 322: The Ultimate Night of Champions
With two high-stakes title fights and a lineup stacked with elite contenders, UFC 322 is shaping up as a can’t-miss spectacle. The event will stream live globally on ESPN+ pay-per-view and is expected to draw one of the largest audiences of the year.
Fans can catch the official UFC 322 Countdown video on YouTube and UFC’s digital platforms, offering exclusive interviews, training footage, and behind-the-scenes access to both champions’ camps.
UFC 322 Fight Card (Partial)
Main Event: Islam Makhachev (LW Champion) vs. Jack Della Maddalena (WW Champion) – Welterweight Title Bout
Co-Main Event: Zhang Weili (SW Champion) vs. Valentina Shevchenko – Flyweight Title Bout
(Full fight card to be announced by the UFC later this week.)
