The UFC is preparing for a seismic night at Madison Square Garden as UFC 322 takes place on November 15. At the top of the card, newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena will defend his belt against former lightweight king Islam Makhachev, who is moving up to 170 pounds in pursuit of double-champ status. With both fighters carrying unique skill sets and plenty of momentum, this bout is set to be one of the most intriguing fights of 2025.

Jack Della Maddalena’s Meteoric Rise

The Australian’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Once an overlooked prospect, Della Maddalena (18-2, 8-0 UFC) has stormed his way into the spotlight with his crisp boxing and relentless pace. His knockout victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 shocked the MMA world, not only handing him the belt but also proving that he can thrive at the highest level.

For years, Muhammad was seen as one of the toughest puzzles in the welterweight division, known for durability and grinding pressure. Yet Della Maddalena flipped the script, stuffing takedowns and delivering a stunning finish that silenced any doubts about his championship potential. That moment wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that he belongs among the elite.

Islam Makhachev’s Bold Leap to Welterweight

Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) enters this fight with the reputation of being one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. His reign at lightweight was characterized by suffocating grappling, flawless control, and steadily improving striking. However, after Belal Muhammad’s shocking loss at UFC 315, Makhachev relinquished his belt and chose to chase history in a new division.

For him, UFC 322 is more than just a fight—it’s about legacy. By moving up and claiming a second belt, Makhachev would cement his place alongside names like Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Georges St-Pierre. But stepping into welterweight means facing naturally larger and stronger opponents, and in Della Maddalena, he gets a fighter with the striking acumen to test his chin and defensive awareness.

A Clash of Styles

The fight is compelling because of the stark contrast in styles. Della Maddalena thrives in boxing exchanges, where his accuracy, composure, and ability to mix combinations make him a nightmare for opponents. He isn’t just powerful—he’s precise, often landing clean counters that change the momentum of fights instantly.

On the other hand, Makhachev’s dominance comes from control. His wrestling and grappling ability allow him to dictate where the fight takes place. If he can close the distance, drag the champion down, and work from top position, the fight could tilt heavily in his favor. His improved striking is serviceable, but he will need to rely on his bread-and-butter ground game to neutralize the Australian’s stand-up threat.

Della Maddalena’s Confidence and Game Plan

In the lead-up to the fight, Della Maddalena has been clear that he won’t play it safe. He expects Makhachev to wrestle early and often but is confident that his takedown defense and counterpunching will give him the advantage.

“He’s probably gonna try and get into the wrestling early,” Della Maddalena said in an interview with Submission Radio. “But I’m gonna go for the finish. That would be the best-case scenario. I can see it happening. I can see it blowing the roof off MSG.”

This isn’t just talk—the Aussie has proven repeatedly that he can adapt under pressure. Against Muhammad, he showed patience, composure, and devastating accuracy. Now, he’ll need all of that and more to keep Makhachev from grinding him down.

Can Makhachev Be Stopped Again?

Though Makhachev has been dominant for nearly a decade, it’s worth remembering that he has been finished once before. At UFC 192 in 2015, Adriano Martins stunned him with a first-round knockout. Since then, Makhachev has been flawless, evolving into one of the most complete fighters in the UFC.

Still, Della Maddalena presents a different kind of challenge. He’s bigger, stronger, and has arguably the best striking defense of anyone Makhachev has faced. While the Dagestani’s chin has held up well, standing in boxing range with the Aussie champion carries real risk.

Legacy on the Line

The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Della Maddalena, a victory confirms that his upset of Muhammad was no fluke. It would mark him as the man who stopped one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history, instantly elevating his name among the sport’s greats.

For Makhachev, this fight represents the pursuit of greatness. Becoming a two-division champion would secure his legacy as one of the all-time best, alongside legends who conquered multiple weight classes. However, a loss could raise questions about his future—does he return to lightweight, or continue battling bigger fighters at 170?

The Madison Square Garden Factor

There’s a special kind of energy that comes with UFC events at Madison Square Garden. From Conor McGregor’s double-title triumph at UFC 205 to Georges St-Pierre’s stunning return at UFC 217, the Garden has witnessed history before. Both fighters know that November 15 is more than just another title fight—it’s a chance to create a career-defining moment on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

For Della Maddalena, a highlight-reel finish would make him an international superstar. For Makhachev, victory would place him in the rarest company in UFC history. Either way, MSG is about to witness a clash that will be remembered for years to come.

Final Thoughts

UFC 322: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev is shaping up to be one of the most important fights of 2025. It’s a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with both men holding the tools to dictate the outcome.

If Della Maddalena can keep the fight standing, his boxing could deliver another spectacular finish. If Makhachev succeeds in imposing his wrestling early, he could smother the champion and prove his greatness once again.

One thing is certain: when the cage door closes at Madison Square Garden, the welterweight division—and perhaps the UFC as a whole—will never be the same.