UFC 322: Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena

Scheduled for Saturday, 15 November 2025, and taking place in the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, the UFC 322 card could be a deciding point for several MMA weight divisions. Fans have the option to enjoy many different scenarios and fights as the unstoppable former lightweight, Islam Makhachev, makes his debut to the welterweight class, squaring off against Jack Della Maddalena. Moreover, the co-main event features an incredible comeback fight, as top female flyweight Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko returns, a bout that could decide her future.

Makhachev

The action at UFC 322 is going to be a fan’s dream, as the overwhelming power of the fighters is sure to meet an irresistible force. Islam Makhachev is the pound-for-pound champion and lightweight champion and represents power. He has ruled the lightweight class with a precise approach similar to that seen with Khabib Nurmagomedov. His approach may be familiar to Khabib’s, but Makhachev’s is unstoppable as he carries out a perfect plan that involves efficient striking to set up a fight-ending attack.

Having defended his lightweight championship belt against all opponents, Makhachev is now moving to the weight class of welterweights. The decision, however, is not shocking among fans as they know that he wants a second belt so that he can end up as a legend inside the UFC. The price is that he will be facing Maddalena who is an opponent who shows well all the danger that is inside the weight class of welterweights.

• Makhachev aims to make history by winning titles in two weight classes.
• Maddalena’s power and striking make him a serious threat.
  The fight promises a clash of skill, power, and legacy.

Maddalena 

He likes to walk his opponents down with a frightening air of confidence. Arguably, Jack Della Maddalena has one of the best fighting styles among all the other competitors as he favors body work that whittles down his opponents’ endurance and willpower before unleashing a barrage of attacks which often lands squarely on their chins. 

By agreeing to this bout, Jack Della Maddalena is wagering an entire winning streak as well as a shot at a championship crown in his respective weight class, as he believes that his defenses and expertise are enough to keep this encounter within his control. This five-round championship showdown is the ultimate challenge for both men and the entirety of UFC 322 betting odds show this intriguing scenario with utmost interest.

• Maddalena’s body attacks weaken his opponents before he finishes strong.
• He risks his record and title shot by accepting this challenge.
• The fight is viewed as one of the most intense and balanced matchups at UFC 322.

Shevchenko

The co-main event is a continuation, as well as a change, as we move from a prospective superstar to a well-established legend. The undisputed, long-reigning Valentina ‘Bullet’ Shevchenko is making a reappearance back inside the Octagon and faces Zhang Weili, a strong challenger. As an expert Muay Thai practitioner and a black belt in Judo and Taekwondo, Shevchenko is the most well-rounded combatant, to date, among all female MMA fighters. Bullet’s counter-strikes are a work of art. They usually revolve around waiting patiently until an opponent makes one devastating mistake, followed by a punishing finish.

What Makes This Fight Special?

It is the type of fight that will attract a lot of attention both from fans and gamblers. Shevchenko is recognized as a very patient fighter and one that knows how to read her opponents which is mostly about her taking full control once the fight reaches the later rounds. She’s a master of championship rounds, finding her rhythm and taking advantage of openings when opponents start to tire. That’s why the special promotion by Stake.com is so interesting for many. 

For those backing Shevchenko in the winner market, a very appealing bonus awaits. If she manages to finish her opponent in either round 4 or round 5, just when she is most dangerous, bettors will share a massive prize pool of $25,000. It’s one of those promotions that feels tailor-made for her fighting style, rewarding the fans who truly believe she can dominate a fight from start to finish. The victory for Shevchenko here would be a reassertion of greatness and the whole division would take notice.

• Valentina Shevchenko promotion: If you back Valentina Shevchenko in the winner market for her co-main event fight, and she wins by a finish (KO, TKO, or Submission) in Round 4 or Round 5, you will earn a share of a $25,000 prize pool. 

What the Odds Tell Us

A UFC event of this level needs careful analysis as the matchups offer both big chances and real risks, typical of such events. At this point, an informed bettor will often look for a detailed guide to make better decisions. When looking to put down a bet using the information provided by Stake UFC Predictions, it’s worth investing time in a full breakdown from the early prelims to the main championship bout since this helps separate facts from hype.

As often is the case, this championship fight is more complex than it first appears. Fans wonder if Makhachev can neutralize any opponent, no matter their size, or if a heavy attack could be the difference maker to beating an opponent who often struggles to stay close to his opponent. The betting market will probably consider Makhachev for the winner as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, but Della Maddalena should be seen more as a matter of smart strategy than simple luck.

Benefits for Bettors

The championship bout will last five rounds and both participants are well-known for their endurance and pace. It will likely be a battle of endurance, particularly if JDM manages to withstand the initial grappling attack and forces Makhachev to go deep enough to allow him to turn the tide in favor of a potential win. However, to hedge their bets and prepare against any sudden change that may occur in the last rounds, Stake.com is offering a promotion that will protect bettors against any threat of losing their deposits last minute. 

The promotion is specifically designed to handle a championship bout as big as this one, which may very well end up as a sudden turnaround toward the championship rounds. Players will be able to wager on either Makhachev or Della Maddalena as their winner and if their picked fighter loses the last round they will get a 100% refund up to a maximum amount of $100.

• UFC 322 – Main Event Refund promotion: A special offer from Stake.com. You place a pre-match, single bet on the “Winner” market for either Islam Makhachev or Jack Della Maddalena. If the fighter you picked loses the fight in the 5th round, you will be refunded your stake up to $100.

Gems on the Undercard

Although the two big bouts are well deserving of all the attention, UFC 322 has a card packed end to end with a number of contests that could readily headline a Fight Night card. One of the most eagerly anticipated is a bantamweight showdown that could well decide the next challenger for the championship. An appearance by Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Cody Haddon in a bantamweight showdown comes with pressure, sharp takedown timing and veteran striking and heavy kicks. It’s a traditional clash with the question of if Wellmaker’s grappling and pace neutralize Haddon’s striking power and leg attacks?

Further down the card, the lightweight bout will be a fight between two finishers: Beneil Dariush, a battle-tested veteran with slick wrestling, relentless pressure and a strong submission game, taking on French dynamo Benoît Saint-Denis, an explosive fighter known for his finishing instincts. It’s a classic stylistic clash with the question of if Dariush’s control and wrestling nullify Saint-Denis’s forward momentum and fight-ending strikes?

The Topic of Legacy

When the dust settles at UFC 322, the future of potential promotions could be changed forever. A win for Islam Makhachev would be an accomplishment that makes him a two-division champion and puts him squarely among the Greatest of All Time conversations. It will show the world that Makhachev’s style is universally exceptional, unfazed by weight. A loss would be a devastating upset and halt the pound-for-pound champion’s career and establish that a tougher breed exists at welterweight. 

A win or a loss will define Jack Della Maddalena’s legacy as this bout is the come-up fight something along the lines of what Conor McGregor had versus Jose Aldo. A win against Makhachev would make him an overnight sensation and propel him directly into the spotlight as a superstar, upsetting the pound-for-pound king.

High Risk, High Reward

The pressure is just as high for Valentina Shevchenko as well. A dominant fight win will erase any doubts that may be circulating that the former champion is done competing at a top level. It will solidify once again that she is, by far, the best female fighter. 

A loss would be very hard for her, possibly showing a change of champions, as a new fighter takes her spot and Shevchenko ending up as the one chasing the title. The night is chock-full of unknowns that will all be answered inside the octagon. It is a championship night, a love letter to the world of combat sports, and a dream night for all MMA fans and gamblers.

FAQ

1. When and where will UFC 322 be held?

UFC 322 will go down on Saturday, November 15, 2025, live at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The main card action will get underway at 10:00 ET, making this a very big night to be involved with mixed martial arts action.

2. What makes the main event between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena so special?

It is a crossover division fight. Islam Makhachev is the current lightweight champion, now competing in welterweight, aiming to achieve a two-division championship, a feat that will make him one among the all-time legends in the MMA world. His opponent is Jack Della Maddalena, a fighter known for his skill and body shots.

3. What are the stakes for the co-main event involving Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko?

Shevchenko’s return is a legacy mission. The former flyweight queen, long regarded as one of MMA’s most technically gifted champions, faces a hungry challenger aiming to end her era. Known for her counterstriking and late-round dominance, “Bullet” is also tied to a unique Stake.com promotion. If she scores a finish in Round 4 or 5, fans who back her in the winner market share a $25,000 prize pool.