UFC 322 delivered a night full of decisive performances and major changes at the top of two divisions. From Islam Makhachev’s smooth transition into welterweight champion to Valentina Shevchenko’s composed title defense, the event at Madison Square Garden offered a mix of dominance, shock results and emerging contenders pushing their way into the spotlight.
Makhachev Takes Over the Welterweight Division
Islam Makhachev’s first appearance at welterweight could not have been more convincing. He met Jack Della Maddalena in the main event and shut him down through a complete performance that stretched across all five rounds. The judges returned identical scorecards of 50 45, reflecting how little room Della Maddalena had to work.
From the opening minute, Makhachev’s strategy was clear. He disrupted Della Maddalena’s rhythm with constant level changes, steady pressure and repeated takedowns that kept the Australian stuck on the defensive. His top control was tight and patient. Every time Della Maddalena tried to reset, Makhachev put him back on the mat or forced him to carry his weight along the fence.
By the championship rounds, the gap in control and pace was unmistakable. With this victory, Makhachev becomes a two division UFC champion and ties Anderson Silva’s sixteen fight winning streak inside the promotion. The welterweight division now revolves around his next move.
Shevchenko Outclasses Weili in the Co Main Event
The co main event featured another measured and intelligent performance from Valentina Shevchenko, who defended her flyweight title against Zhang Weili. All three judges scored the fight 50 45, capturing how thoroughly Shevchenko kept the action where she wanted it.
Shevchenko worked behind precise timing. She countered Weili’s entries, fired clean body kicks at mid-range and mixed in takedowns to break any momentum Weili attempted to build. Her footwork forced Weili to chase, and whenever exchanges became close, Shevchenko tightened her defense and stepped out safely.
The fight served as another reminder of how well Shevchenko reads situations and makes adjustments on the spot. With another defense recorded, she continues to solidify her position as one of the most complete fighters in MMA.
Leon Edwards Stopped by Carlos Prates
One of the most surprising moments of UFC 322 came from the welterweight matchup between Leon Edwards and Carlos Prates. Edwards had a promising start, especially with a strong first round where he threatened a rear naked choke. But in the second round, everything changed instantly.
Prates connected with a perfectly placed straight left hand that sent Edwards to the canvas. The stoppage came at 1 minute and 28 seconds of round two. The result shakes up the upper tier of the welterweight division and marks a breakout victory for Prates.
Additional Highlights From the Card
The rest of the main card featured fighters making serious statements of their own. Michael Morales continued his rise with a first round TKO of Sean Brady, using sharp striking and strong finishing instincts. His momentum builds even further as he edges closer to the rankings.
Benoit Saint Denis added one of the most dramatic moments of the night by stopping Beneil Dariush in only sixteen seconds. It was a violent and immediate finish that reinforces the threat he poses in the lightweight division.
UFC 322 Main Card Results
| Bout | Division | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena | Welterweight Title | Makhachev won by unanimous decision 50 45 |
| Valentina Shevchenko vs Zhang Weili | Womens Flyweight Title | Shevchenko won by unanimous decision 50 45 |
| Michael Morales vs Sean Brady | Welterweight | Morales won by TKO in round 1 |
| Carlos Prates vs Leon Edwards | Welterweight | Prates won by KO in round 2 at 1:28 |
| Benoit Saint Denis vs Beneil Dariush | Lightweight | Saint Denis won by KO in round 1 at 0:16 |
