This Saturday, UFC 322 is set to deliver an electrifying night of fights featuring not one, but two opportunities for decorated champions to ascend to glory in different divisions. The stakes are high, and the challenges ahead are formidable. Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, currently regarded as MMA’s No. 1 Pound-for-Pound fighter due to his incredible run in the lightweight division, faces a daunting task as he attempts to claim the welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena. Della Maddalena, fresh off a victory over Belal Muhammad—who shares a training background with Makhachev—looks poised to author another upset. Meanwhile, in a highly anticipated showdown, Zhang Weili will finally clash with flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, a matchup that promises to showcase two of the greatest female fighters in MMA history.
As UFC 322 approaches, the MMA Fighting team, including Alexander K. Lee, Mike Heck, and Jed Meshew, has raised several critical questions about the night’s main events.
Lee expresses a cautious optimism about both fighters’ chances, suggesting a high probability but ultimately predicting that Della Maddalena and Shevchenko will retain their titles. He highlights that dismissing Della Maddalena simply because he's facing one of the best fighters in the world would be unwise. He believes that Della Maddalena could very well be on the brink of breaking into the top three pound-for-pound rankings.
Heck, on the other hand, offers a bolder perspective, stating that the chances for Zhang Weili to secure the double-champ status are greater than Makhachev’s. He confidently predicts both will win, but favors Weili’s strength, while acknowledging the potential for Della Maddalena to spoil Makhachev’s plans.
Meshew provides a more analytical approach, putting Makhachev and Weili's combined chances at 39.5%, derived from betting odds. He acknowledges Makhachev’s prowess but expresses concern about his age and the unpredictability of moving up a weight class. He considers the upcoming Shevchenko-Zhang bout to be a landmark event in women’s MMA, underscoring the historical significance of their matchup.
When it comes to the welterweight contenders on the card, Meshew confidently asserts that Makhachev has the most to gain, as a victory would make him the 11th two-division champion in UFC history and enhance his standing among the greatest fighters of all time. However, in the non-title fights, he believes Carlos Prates could make significant strides with a standout performance.
Lee shifts focus to Michael Morales, suggesting that a dominant win against Sean Brady could position him as the No. 1 contender in the welterweight division. He emphasizes Morales’ impressive trajectory since his UFC debut and notes that he could become a fan-favorite if he continues to perform well.
Heck adds a twist by indicating that Sean Brady has the most at stake in the card, as a strong performance might earn him a title shot against the winner of the main event. He points out that Brady’s willingness to take risks could be rewarded by the UFC.
Heck identifies the rematch between Erin Blanchfield and Tracy Cortez as the most intriguing preliminary fight, highlighting its implications for the flyweight division. A victory for Cortez could catapult her into title contention, while a loss for Blanchfield could set her back significantly.
Meshew introduces a less conventional pick with Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Cody Haddon, suggesting that this fight is one to watch for fans interested in rising talent. Wellmaker, a former Contender Series signee, has made a name for himself with impressive performances, while Haddon’s return after a year-long absence adds an element of unpredictability.
Lee rounds out the discussion by mentioning Bo Nickal, whose upcoming fight against Rodolfo Vieira is laden with expectations. Nickal’s journey in the UFC has been filled with ups and downs, and his performance against Vieira could be crucial in determining his future trajectory within the organization.
As UFC 322 approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a landmark night in the world of mixed martial arts. With champions like Islam Makhachev and Zhang Weili seeking to make history, the outcomes of these high-stakes matchups could reshape the landscape of their respective divisions. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the challengers can dethrone the champions or if the reigning titleholders will solidify their legacies in the octagon.
