The time has come for one of the most anticipated MMA events of 2025. The fight against welterweight champion (up to 77.6 kg) Jacques Della Maddalena will mark Islam Makhachev’s debut in a category where he is already in title contention. UFC 322 will be held this Saturday (11/15) at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Zhang Weili has the same experience. The Chinese fighter will make her debut in the flyweight division (up to 56.7kg) against champion Valentina Shevchenko in the co-main event of the night. Brazil will take part in the central game, with Carlos Prates facing off against Leon Edwards.
3 images
Close the modal.
1 out of 3
Zhang Weili was the strawweight champion.
Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC2/3
Jacques Della Maddalena becomes welterweight champion
Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC, Getty Images3/3
Shevchenko will defend belt against Chan
Makhachev vacated the lightweight title and tried again. The Russian is hoping to win a second belt in his career and could do so in his first fight in the new category. Despite being a rookie, his record could work in his favor.
The former 71kg champion has 27 wins and only one loss in the UFC. However, the opposing team is not that different and it will not be easy. Jacques Della Maddalena, the owner of the welterweight belt, has only lost twice in this competition, but has already won 18 times.
Chan x Shevchenko
Co-main battles are another element that makes this event even more memorable. Two of the greatest fighters in UFC history will finally meet. Zhang Weili will have her first fight as a flyweight champion against champion Valentina Shevchenko.
Kyrgyz athletes are synonymous with superiority in this category. Shevchenko held the belt undefeated for five years from 2018 to 2023. Despite faltering against Alexa Grasso, she regained the title in a rematch in 2024. The veteran still has a record of 25 wins and only 4 losses.
But someone may finally emerge who can end Shevchenko’s reign. The feeling of victory is well known to Zhang. The Chinese was the strawweight champion but decided to vacate the title. That’s what makes this amazing duel possible. Her numbers are also impressive, with 26 wins and 3 losses.
Please also read
-
sports
UFC 322: Carlos Prates boldly promises to fight Edwards
-
sports
Famous UFC referee reveals new rule about putting fingers in eyes
-
sports
UFC fighter blows up event at White House: ‘Like the Hunger Games’
-
sports
On the eve of UFC 322, Islam Makhachev’s physique stuns the internet
Brazil on the main card
Still, Brazil will be represented in tonight’s key matches. Carlos Prates will face Leon Edwards. The Sao Paulo native is one of the most coveted Brazilians right now, especially after his win at UFC 319.
2 images
Close the modal.1/2
Preitz defeated Jeff Neal in his last match.
Jeff Stelfox/Getty Images 2/2
leon edwards
Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Prates’ charisma captivated Brazilian fans. He has shown impressive growth in the cage, but this could be a litmus test for Pesadero. He is ranked No. 9 at welterweight and will face the No. 4 seed.
Edwards is a strong name in this category, winning 22 times but only losing five times. However, the Brazilian has the same number of wins and only different defeats, two more than the Englishman.
About The Author
