UFC 322 Review: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev Welterweight Title Match.
New York, Madison Square Garden, UFC 322 is going to be a memorable night. The main event in the whole scenario is the welterweight championship bout of Jack Della Maddalena, the hot-blooded Australian champion, versus Islam Makhachev, the one-time lightweight champion aspiring to be a two-division warrior. It is not merely a belt, as this is a clash of styles, power, and legacy.
The Contenders: Two Ways Intersect.
Jack Della Maddalena has made his place at the top by hitting with accurate and sharp hits, hard work, and a near-perfect record. He is the current welterweight champion, and he has the hopes of the Australian MMA fans on his hands. He has demonstrated the ability and desire to be the head of the division, which has been shown in his upward movement with dramatic finishes and steady growth.
Opposite is Islam Makhachev, who has turned out to be a mainstay of grappling superiority in the lightweight division. Having a strong sambo and elite wrestling background, Makhachev has become one of the most difficult submission artists in the UFC. Further up the ladder, he is taking his trademark ground game, but this time with more power and strength. To him, this is not just a title shot, but it is an opportunity to prove that he is one of the all-time greats of MMA.
Conceptualization Breakdown: Strategies and Matching Dynamics.
Striking vs. Grappling: Della Maddalena’s game is designed on a striking base, which consists of sharp punches, creative kicking, and mobility. He will probably make an attempt to maintain this battle on his feet, employing combinations and angles to outpoint or to finish Makhachev.
Advantage of Makhachev: Makhachev is strong in grappling. His submission and wrestling game might prevail in case he is able to take the fight to the mat. The fact that he rose to power is likely to make his takedowns more disabling.
Cardio & Endurance: Makhachev might also have an advantage of not having to lose as much due to his weight increase, which will result in more stamina in the later rounds. In the meantime, Della Maddalena must demonstrate that he can continue to move with his explosive speed when facing a heavier and possibly stronger opponent.
The Card: Not the Endgame.
All the attention is going to be on the main event, but UFC 322 will be filled with other serious matches:
Women’s Flyweight Title Fight: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili in a main event, title fight.
Welterweight Bouts: Other of note Bouts are: Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales, and Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates -both with some veteran experience and youthful exuberance.
Lightweight War: Beneil Dariush fights Benoit Saint Denis in an interesting battle of technical expertise and hardships.
Watching: Timing & How to Watch: UFC Fans in Australia.
The prime time starts at around 2:00 PM AEDT in Australia.
The preparation prelims begin at about 10:00 AM AEDT, and then the preliminary card comes at noon.
In Australia, the event can be watched by fans on Main Event on Foxtel or on streaming on Kayo Sports.
What Is at Stake
Makhachev Legacy Makhachev could win a win at welterweight and have a rare legacy of two divisions.
Gold to the Aussies: Della Maddalena stands a chance to defend his title with the greatest pressure on him, in one of the largest stages of MMA.
Division Shake-Up: The result may alter the welterweight landscape and may impact the next climb as well as the shifting of the top five.
Fan Momentum: The sensation this card gives is that of a turning point, either of an affirmation of the reign of Della Maddalena or something new that is going to dominate Makhachev.
Prediction & Key Questions
Is Makhachev able to inflict his grappling? Makhachev could easily control much of the fight in case he takes takedowns early in the fight.
Does JDM strike big: he will have to strike and retreat with his striking and distance, but should he strike with force, he would be able to end this fight.
Stamina test: Who will be able to keep up with the championship rounds?
Mental advantage: Under pressure, who can be the winner?
Final Thoughts
UFC 322 is not a fight night like any other one; it has become a milestone. Jack Della Maddalena is not defending his belt only; he is defending himself as a champion. It is not another title Islam Makhachev pursues, but a legacy.
No matter who wins in the end, this battle is the soul of the UFC: danger, prowess, and bloodshed all come together within the Octagon. The fans must fasten their belt to the bus, and MMA fans in Australia can have one of the most eventful PPV evenings of the year.
