Islam Makhachev delivered a masterclass performance, defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision to claim the UFC welterweight championship at Madison Square Garden, in a fight that showcased his dominant grappling and striking skills. The co-main event saw Valentina Shevchenko retain her flyweight title, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

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Makhachev’s Seamless Step Up in Weight Class

Makhachev, 34, made light of moving up a weight class after vacating his lightweight title to pursue a new challenge. For 25 minutes, the Russian grappling phenom imposed his will, using calculated calf kicks and relentless wrestling to neutralize his Australian opponent.

“This is my plan. It’s not a secret, all my opponents know this, and nobody can stop it,” Makhachev said after the fight, already calling for his first title defense at the proposed White House lawn event in 2026.

All three judges scored the bout 50-45, marking Makhachev’s 16th straight UFC victory and tying him with Anderson Silva for one of the sport’s most impressive win streaks. He also became the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight classes.

Della Maddalena, 29, who had previously ended an 18-fight winning streak, struggled throughout the bout and walked out without participating in the traditional post-fight interview.

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Dominant Co-Main Event: Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili

In the co-headliner, Valentina Shevchenko outclassed Zhang Weili with precise striking and expert takedown control, sweeping the judges’ scorecards 50-45. The Kyrgyzstan-born fighter became the first female UFC athlete to record 60 career takedowns, displaying a complete martial arts skill set.

“I was preparing for this fight as the hardest challenge in my life,” Shevchenko said in the cage. “This is what I call the art of martial arts. When they are here in front of me, they cannot do anything.”

Shevchenko’s performance not only reinforced her dominance in the UFC flyweight division but also denied Zhang’s dream of becoming a double champion.

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Explosive Undercard Highlights

Before the main events, the UFC 322 undercard delivered several dramatic knockouts. Fighters Beneil Dariush, Carlos Prates, and Michael Morales each secured devastating finishes, setting the tone for an action-packed night.

The event was briefly disrupted by a brawl near the entrance tunnels, involving Dillon Danis, which caused a short delay and drew intense reactions from the crowd. Despite the melee, UFC 322 went on to deliver a night of high-octane action for fans at Madison Square Garden.

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Makhachev and Shevchenko Cement UFC Legacies

With Makhachev’s welterweight triumph and Shevchenko’s flyweight retention, both fighters solidified their positions among UFC elite athletes. Makhachev’s seamless transition to a higher weight class demonstrates his adaptability and strategic mastery, while Shevchenko continues to define excellence in women’s MMA.

Fans and analysts alike now eagerly anticipate Makhachev’s next title defense and Shevchenko’s future challenges, as UFC 322 will be remembered as a historic night of championship MMA action.