UFC 322 Welterweight Title Fight Set for November 15 at Madison Square Garden

The UFC 322 main event on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden features a highly anticipated welterweight title fight between current champion Jack Della Maddalena and former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who is moving up a weight class to challenge for the 170-pound title. Della Maddalena, boasting an 18-fight win streak and a recent victory over Belal Muhammad, is confident in his striking and takedown defense to fend off Makhachev's wrestling, even suggesting he could outperform fighters like Alexander Volkanovski who previously faced Makhachev. Conversely, Colby Covington and others highlight Makhachev's wrestling and grappling control as the key advantage, despite Makhachev's size disadvantage at welterweight, with betting odds slightly favoring Makhachev to win. UFC CEO Dana White and oddsmakers recognize Makhachev as a formidable opponent and favorite, yet former champion Robert Whittaker supports Della Maddalena's chances due to his striking and mental approach, suggesting pressure lies on Makhachev. Makhachev's rigorous training regime and psychological readiness indicate his seriousness about capturing a second UFC title, while Della Maddalena aims to replicate his prior success in neutralizing elite grapplers. This matchup pits two elite fighters with contrasting styles and a combined single UFC loss, setting the stage for a compelling clash between striking precision and wrestling dominance.