UFC 322: Islam Makhachev fights for two weight champion status

Michael Bolton

Seen by many fans as the best current UFC fighter, Islam Makhachev makes the step up to 170 pounds as he takes on Jack Della Maddalena in the main event at UFC 322.

After four defences of his lightweight title, the Dagastan fighter makes the jump in weight in an attempt to become a division champion.

Having not lost a fight in a decade, the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov has gone from strength to strength, and will not be phased at fighting in a new weight class.

One of the best wrestlers the sport has seen, Makhachev's confidence in his striking has continued to grow, and he will not be afraid to stand and box with Della Maddalena.

[caption id="attachment_1829736" align="alignnone" width="911"] Photo: Sofascore.[/caption]

However, as Belal Muhammed figured out, that may not be the best idea. A replacement fighter for the bout, Della Maddalena became the champion with a decision victory at earlier this year.

One of the best boxers in the division, his striking is what made him champion. He will likely not face a tougher wrestling test in his career on Saturday.

If they can stop the takedowns of Makhachev and keep the fight standing with his boxing on the outside, he will have a path, albeit small, to victory.

In the co-main event at UFC 322, two of the most successful and talented women MMA has seen will compete in a super fight as Valentina Shevchenko defends her flyweight title against Zhang Weili.

With the exception of the Alexa Grasso fight, Shevchenko has dominated the flyweight division.

Her kickboxing, mixed in with her grappling and power, has put her in a league of her own at times. It may not be until she retires that fans appreciate her achievements in the sport.

[caption id="attachment_1829738" align="alignnone" width="911"] Photo: Sofascore.[/caption]

Aside from her two fights against Amanda Nunes, this could be her most high-profile bout when she takes on Weili.

Since reclaiming the strawweight title in 2022, Weili has conquered everyone in her path.

The wrestling exchanges will have a huge bearing on the outcome of this bout. While Shevchenko will have the size and power advantages, Weili will not be phased.

Expect the Chinese fighter to put the pressure on from round one, and is not afraid to get in a brawl if it comes down to it.

Elsewhere on the main card, it is a must win fight for Leon Edwards as he takes on Carlos Prates in the weltwerweight division.

The former champion is on a two-fight losing streak, following defeats to Belal Muhammed and Sean Brady.

If he wants go get back into the title picture, he must defeat Prates, who brutally knocked out Geoff Neal in his last bout.

Prates has arguably the most power at welterweight, but as seen in his defeat to Ian Machado Garry, his grappling and wrestling can be his downfall.

Another fight to keep an eye on at UFC 322 in the welterweight division in Sean Brady v Michael Morales.

Two young fighters who cannot be far away from a title shot, a win for either fighter would have huge implications.

Brady's last fight saw him submit Leon Edwards in London back in Mrach. His wrestling and pressure he puts on his opponents makes him a challenge for anyone.

Morales last fight saw him knockout Gilbert Burns in one round