UFC 322: Makhachev and Zhang Chase History with Dual Title Challenges

Joao Melo

Published on November 13, 2025

Two likely legacy-shaping fights top the next UFC 322 set for November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York. At the top of the card, former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev moves up to challenge welterweight titleholder Jack Della Maddalena. In the co-main slot, two elite female fighters collide: Zhang Weili challenges flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko for a shot at a two-division title.

Islam Makhachev is at an inflexion point. Having ruled the lightweight division, he left his title to go after a chance at the welterweight throne. Apart from providing another championship, a victory against Della Maddalena would propel him into the elite group of ‘champ-champs’. But the difficulty is great. Riding high after a resounding triumph for the strap, Della Maddalena is about to begin his first title defence. Particularly given the power and size advantages his opponent possesses, experts question how Makhachev’s wrestling-based method will translate at 170 lb.

On the women’s side, Zhang Weili has made a daring decision: she gave up her strawweight belt to pursue another title in flyweight. Valentina Shevchenko, generally considered one of the best women’s MMA fighters ever, is her opponent. The fight could be an attempt for both champions to change their image. Zhang, if she wants to win, has to manage the size, power, and experience advantages of Shevchenko.

If both fighters win, then UFC 322 would instantly be the event that rocks the world with two newly crowned dual-division champions, an almost impossible task in the sport. But still, most of the specialists think that only one, if any, will manage it. The uphill path of changing classes and facing the best of the best is still gigantic. Besides the title implications, the card is also packed with other fights, including the highly rated welterweight and light-heavyweight showdowns that are sure to give even more excitement.

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