UFC is set to return to Madison Square Garden with one of its most anticipated cards of the year, featuring two high-stakes championship super fights that could reshape multiple divisions. The historic event, VeChain UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev, brings elite talent to one of combat sports’ most iconic venues.
The event takes place on Saturday, November 15, with early prelims beginning at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+, Disney+ and UFC Fight Pass. Prelims follow at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNNEWS, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, while the main card airs live on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the matchups and what fans can expect from this blockbuster night of fights.
Main Event: Della Maddalena Defends Welterweight Gold
In the headline bout, UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena puts his title on the line against former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, one of the most dominant athletes in the organization.
A Champion With Momentum
Della Maddalena has emerged as one of the UFC’s sharpest strikers, combining precision boxing with consistent finishing power. His rise through the welterweight ranks has been marked by calculated aggression and technical improvement with each outing.
Makhachev Moves Up in Weight
Islam Makhachev, long considered one of the pound-for-pound best, makes the jump from lightweight to challenge for a second world title. Known for his grappling pressure and high-fight IQ, Makhachev enters the bout with the confidence of a champion—and the chance to join an exclusive group of dual-division belt holders.
Their contrasting styles make this a compelling tactical matchup: Della Maddalena’s sharp striking vs. Makhachev’s relentless wrestling and top control.
Co-Main Event: Shevchenko vs Weili in a Pound-for-Pound Showdown
The co-main event brings another super fight as flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, widely considered the No. 1 pound-for-pound female fighter, defends her title against Zhang Weili, the No. 2 ranked women’s pound-for-pound competitor.
Shevchenko Looks to Extend Her Legacy
Shevchenko’s dominance at flyweight has cemented her as one of the greatest women in MMA history. Her striking versatility, counter-attacking brilliance and elite defensive instincts have kept her atop the division for years.
Zhang Weili Seeks New Heights
Weili, a former strawweight champion, enters with explosive power, athleticism and a well-rounded skill set that makes her one of the toughest challengers Shevchenko has faced. A win would make her a two-division UFC champion and further elevate her global profile.
This matchup pairs two of the most skilled women in the sport—a rare meeting of fighters ranked No. 1 and No. 2 pound-for-pound in a single title fight.
How to Watch UFC 322 Live
Fans can tune into UFC 322 across multiple platforms:
Early Prelims
- 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT
- ESPN+, Disney+, UFC Fight Pass
Prelims
- 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- ESPNNEWS, ESPN Deportes, Disney+
- Simulcast on ESPN+ (English and Spanish)
Main Card (PPV)
- 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
- Available through all major PPV providers
The entire event will feature live results, fight recaps and post-fight interviews as action unfolds inside Madison Square Garden.
A Historic Night for UFC Fans
With two championship super fights at the top of the card, UFC 322 promises to deliver high-level competition and potential legacy-defining moments. Whether it’s Makhachev’s pursuit of dual-champion status or Zhang’s quest to dethrone one of the greatest female champions in UFC history, the stakes could not be higher.
This page will update throughout fight night with official results, round-by-round recaps, and exclusive backstage interviews as UFC 322 unfolds live in New York City.
