UFC 322: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev - A Welterweight Title Showdown

On November 15, 2025, UFC 322 will take place at Madison Square Garden, featuring a highly anticipated welterweight title fight between reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena and former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. This marks Della Maddalena's first title defense after winning the championship against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May 2025. Makhachev, who vacated his lightweight title to pursue a second championship at 170 pounds, is entering this bout with a 15-fight win streak and a reputation as one of the sport's top pound-for-pound fighters.

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Jack Della Maddalena, known as "JDM," has been on an impressive trajectory, remaining undefeated in his last 18 fights. His striking prowess and takedown defense were pivotal in his victory over Muhammad, where he landed 200 significant strikes. Meanwhile, Makhachev's transition to welterweight has raised questions about his effectiveness in a new weight class, despite his dominance at lightweight, where he defended his title four times against top contenders like Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier.

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• Jack Della Maddalena: The 29-year-old Australian champion aims to solidify his legacy by defending his title against a formidable opponent. He has expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I’m gonna break Islam Makhachev. I’m gonna take his pound-for-pound spot.”

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• Islam Makhachev: The 34-year-old Russian fighter, under the guidance of coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, is looking to become a two-division champion. Makhachev has emphasized his preparation for this fight, noting significant improvements in his physique and training regimen, including the use of creatine for the first time.

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Della Maddalena's strategy revolves around maintaining distance to utilize his striking while avoiding Makhachev's grappling. He aims to keep the fight standing, stating, “A perfect fight for me would be just to keep him on the outside and ping him.” Conversely, Makhachev will likely focus on closing the distance to initiate takedowns, leveraging his grappling skills to control the fight.

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Dustin Poirier, a former opponent of Makhachev, highlighted the importance of Della Maddalena's takedown defense, suggesting that if he can stay off the cage and utilize his boxing, he could pose significant challenges to Makhachev.

Former Islam Makhachev rival explains how Jack Della Maddalena can pull off UFC 322 win

Jack Della Maddalena has openly embraced the narrative that defeating Makhachev would reinforce his status as a legitimate welterweight champion, stating, “I’m sort of hoping for that narrative... that he’s just a lightweight, he would never do well in the welterweight division.” Makhachev, on the other hand, has expressed confidence in his ability to adapt to the new weight class, aiming to make history with a victory.

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Despite Makhachev's accolades, some analysts, including Kenny Florian, have raised concerns about his ability to compete effectively at welterweight, suggesting that the pressure may be greater on him than on Della Maddalena, who is the defending champion. Florian remarked, “I think Islam Makhachev is an amazing 155-pound fighter, I just don’t know if he’s an amazing welterweight.”

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The outcome of UFC 322 will have significant implications for both fighters. A victory for Della Maddalena would solidify his reign and potentially open up future title defenses against other top contenders in the welterweight division. For Makhachev, winning the welterweight title would not only enhance his legacy but also position him among the elite fighters in UFC history as a two-division champion.

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• “Honestly, that’s sort of the narrative I’m hoping that comes the day after the fight is that he’s just a lightweight, he would never do well in the welterweight division.” — Jack Della Maddalena

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• “I’m gonna break Islam Makhachev. I’m gonna take his pound-for-pound spot.” — Jack Della Maddalena

Sports Illustrated

• “I think there’s a lot of value here. I like JDM. I think Islam Makhachev is an amazing 155-pound fighter, I just don’t know if he’s an amazing welterweight.” — Kenny Florian

MMA legend questions Islam Makhachev’s effectiveness at welterweight ahead of UFC 322 title fight

As UFC 322 approaches, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a historic night in mixed martial arts.

Sports Illustrated