The UFC welterweight title will be contested between reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, taking place this Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. Della Maddalena secured the championship earlier this year by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, while Makhachev, who has moved up a weight class, boasts an impressive 15-fight winning streak. The event’s main card kicks off at 10 PM ET, following earlier qualifying and preliminary bouts at 6 PM ET and 8 PM ET respectively.
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook favor Makhachev at -298, making Della Maddalena the underdog at +240. The card’s co-main event also features a title defense, with Valentina Shevchenko set to face the favorite Weili Zhang for the women’s flyweight belt. MMA expert Daniel Vithlani offers detailed fight predictions and betting tips to guide fans in making their UFC 322 picks.
Jack Della Maddalena, 29, turned professional in 2016 and has been undefeated since his initial two losses. He gained recognition after a unanimous win at Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021 and has since accumulated an 18-2 professional record, highlighted by 12 knockouts. Awards like ESPN’s 2022 UFC Men’s Rookie of the Year and multiple Fight of the Night honors underscore his rising star status, currently ranked eighth in the men’s pound-for-pound list.
Islam Makhachev, 34, began his pro career in 2010 and has dominated the lightweight division with 27 wins and just one loss. He defended his UFC lightweight title four times before moving up to welterweight and holds UFC’s joint-second-longest winning streak with 15 wins. Makhachev’s style is marked by a blend of striking and grappling prowess, earning him multiple Fight and Performance of the Night bonuses.
In addition to the headliners, expert Visrani suggests backing Chepe Mariscal to upset Pat Sabatini in an early featherweight bout, citing Mariscal’s relentless pressure and grappling skills as key to his edge.
For betting advice, fan promos, and in-depth fight breakdowns, fans can check SportsLine and FanDuel, which offer exclusive bonuses and expert picks for UFC 322.
Fan Take: This matchup highlights a thrilling clash between a rising star and a seasoned champion, underscoring the dynamic nature of MMA where weight moves and streaks add to the drama. For fight fans, this event could be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of the UFC welterweight division.
