The highly anticipated welterweight championship clash between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena is set to ignite Madison Square Garden this Saturday, November 15. While not officially a champion-versus-champion bout, the magnitude surrounding this showdown makes it one of the most compelling UFC main events of the year. With history on the line and two of the most dominant fighters of their era colliding, UFC 322 promises a night of high drama, elite skill, and legacy-shaping stakes.
A historic opportunity for Islam Makhachev
Makhachev, the former lightweight king, arrives at UFC 322 on a mission to etch his name among the sport’s elite multi-division champions. After vacating his 155-pound title, Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) moves up to welterweight in pursuit of a second championship strap.
His resume already speaks volumes. Islam Makhachev rides a 15-fight winning streak into the contest—one victory shy of tying Anderson Silva’s legendary UFC record of 16 straight wins. His dominance at lightweight was historic, having defended the 155-pound crown a divisional record four times before relinquishing it to chase his new goal.
Jack Della Maddalena: The surging champion with everything to prove
Opposite him stands one of the UFC’s most buzzing fighters. Jack Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) hasn’t suffered a loss since his second professional fight in 2016. He now enters UFC 322 on an 18-fight winning streak, including a perfect 8-0 run in the UFC.
Della Maddalena captured the welterweight title in May with a unanimous decision win over Belal Muhammad. Now, he looks to cement his reign by stopping one of the most dominant fighters of the decade. A victory over Makhachev would instantly elevate his status and signal the emergence of a new global superstar.
UFC 322 event schedule & walkout time
Fans looking to catch every moment of action can tune in across three stacked segments of the UFC 322 card:
Early Prelims: 6 p.m. ET
Prelims: 8 p.m. ET
Main Card (PPV): 10 p.m. ET
As the main event, Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena are expected to make their walk to the octagon at approximately 12:30 a.m. ET—a moment the entire MMA world will be watching closely.
Where to watch UFC 322
The event will stream live on ESPN+ pay-per-view, giving fans full access to one of the most anticipated bouts of 2025. With both men riding massive winning streaks and competing at the peak of their abilities, UFC 322 is shaping up to be a spectacle no fight fan will want to miss.