Makhachev Makes History at UFC 322: Dominant Double-Champ Performance Stuns NYC
New York, NY – November 16, 2025 – UFC 322 delivered one of the most unforgettable nights in mixed martial arts history as Islam Makhachev claimed the welterweight title with a flawless, suffocating performance over champion Jack Della Maddalena. The Madison Square Garden crowd of over 20,000 witnessed a fight card filled with knockouts, controversy, rising stars, and championship greatness. Sponsored by VeChain, the event instantly entered the conversation as one of the best UFC cards ever held in New York City.
Islam Makhachev’s Masterclass: From Lightweight King to Welterweight Conqueror
The main event saw reigning welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena (27-2) defend his belt against former lightweight king Islam Makhachev (28-1), who moved up in weight with a mission to become a two-division UFC champion.
The result? A grappling clinic from start to finish.
Della Maddalena came out aggressive in Round 1, landing crisp combinations that briefly energized the crowd. But Makhachev quickly took over, securing a single-leg takedown less than two minutes into the fight. From there, it was all Dagestani dominance. Makhachev controlled nearly 19 of the 25 minutes, advancing positions effortlessly and threatening submissions while neutralizing JDM’s striking.
The judges had it 50-45, 50-45, 50-45—a clean sweep.
With this victory:
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Makhachev ties Anderson Silva’s record with a 16-fight UFC win streak.
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He becomes the 11th fighter in UFC history to win titles in multiple divisions.
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He cements himself as one of the most dominant forces ever at 155 and now 170.
Addressing criticism of his “boring style,” Makhachev delivered a cold response in his post-fight interview:
“I came here to win, not to entertain. Next up? The killers at 170—bring them.”
The callout sparked immediate reactions online. Top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov tweeted:
“Congrats Islam, great performance. But the real test at 170 is me.”
Della Maddalena took the loss with grace:
“Islam’s pressure is insane—I've never felt anything like it. I’ll be back stronger.”
Valentina Shevchenko’s Bullet-Proof Defense: Flyweight Queen Shuts Down Zhang Weili
Co-headlining UFC 322, Valentina Shevchenko (26-4-1) delivered a vintage performance against former strawweight champion Zhang Weili (26-4), dominating all five rounds to retain her flyweight crown.
Shevchenko mixed her elite striking with fluid chain wrestling, controlling Weili from start to finish. The Kyrgyzstani legend’s performance earned her a clean 50-45 across all scorecards.
This win marks:
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Her second defense of her current flyweight title run
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Her 11th career title victory, tying her with Amanda Nunes for most in women’s UFC history
“The Bullet” spoke with humility and clarity after the fight:
“Age is just a number when you keep evolving. Zhang is a warrior—this division is deeper than ever.”
Fans across social media hailed it as a GOAT-level performance, pushing Shevchenko’s legacy further into legendary territory.
UFC 322 Undercard Highlights: Knockouts, Prospects & Chaos
While the main and co-main events delivered championship greatness, the undercard stole plenty of spotlight with explosive finishes and breakout performances.
Michael Morales (19-0)
The Ecuadorian phenom remained undefeated with a brutal first-round TKO over Sean Brady (18-2). His ground-and-pound at 3:47 showcased why many believe he’s the next major threat at 170.
Morales confidently declared:
“170 is mine now.”
Fans are already campaigning for a clash between Morales vs. Carlos Prates.
Carlos Prates
The “Silent Assassin” lived up to his nickname with a spectacular second-round left-hook KO. X (formerly Twitter) exploded with calls for a Prates–Morales title eliminator.
Bo Nickal
The wrestling prodigy pushed his record to 6-0, earning yet another dominant decision victory. His callout for a ranked middleweight received loud approval from fans inside MSG.
Chaos Outside the Cage
The night wasn’t without controversy. A post-fight altercation involving Dillon Danis and Team Khabib resulted in a reported lifetime ban for Danis.
Makhachev’s dry comment on the incident went viral:
“Talk trash for five years? You answer in person.”
UFC’s NYC Magic Returns: Record-Breaking Night at MSG
UFC 322 captured the essence of New York’s biggest fight nights—drawing comparisons to UFC 205 and UFC 217. With:
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Seven finishes
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A sold-out crowd
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Projected PPV buys over 1.2 million
—the event reaffirmed why Madison Square Garden remains the spiritual home of MMA spectacles.
Though some fans questioned regional judging in earlier fights, the night’s high-energy finishes and historic performances overshadowed the critiques.
What’s Next? Makhachev vs. Rakhmonov in 2026?
Rumors are swirling that the UFC is eyeing Islam Makhachev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov for early 2026—a potential clash between two of the most dangerous welterweights in the world.
With Shevchenko strengthening her GOAT case and new contenders emerging across divisions, UFC 322 wasn’t just an event—it was a statement.
The welterweight division just got a whole lot scarier.
For full UFC 322 results and highlights, visit UFC.com.
#UFC322 #IslamMakhachev #UFCResults #Shevchenko #ZhangWeili #MMA
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