UFC 322 promises an electrifying night of fights, headlined by a main event featuring two fighters with impressive records. Islam Makhachev is riding a remarkable 15-fight win streak, while Jack Della Maddalena is on an equally impressive 18-fight win streak. Both have not tasted defeat for years, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown.
During an exclusive conversation with TMZ Sports, UFC President and CEO Dana White expressed excitement about the stakes of the main event. “Jack bursts onto the scene, coming off the Contender Series. Goes all the way up and beats Belal Muhammad, which is not easy to do,” White noted. He emphasized the significance of Della Maddalena’s recent victories, particularly his win over Muhammad. “Now, if he can beat Islam, Jack Della Maddalena is a bad dude,” he added.
Della Maddalena’s last loss occurred in May 2016 at Eternal MMA 17, while Makhachev’s last defeat dates back to October 2015 at UFC 192. Despite Della Maddalena’s impressive record and growing reputation, many fans and analysts question his chances against Makhachev, who holds the title of one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters.
When asked about the perception surrounding Della Maddalena, White stated, “All these questions get answered on Saturday, and that’s the beauty of fighting.” His comments highlight the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, where anything can happen in the octagon.
Co-Main Event Highlights and Other Anticipated Fights
While the main event garners much attention, UFC 322 features a strong undercard, including a co-main event match between Valentina Shevchenko and Weili Zhang. Both fighters are recognized for their skills and tenacity, promising another thrilling contest for fans. White previewed this matchup, emphasizing its importance in the women’s division.
The event at UFC 322 is more than just a fight night; it also marks a historic occasion, as it will be held at the White House. White reflected on the challenges of organizing such a significant event, indicating it has been one of the most difficult undertakings in his career.
In addition to discussing the fights, White addressed the speculation surrounding a potential matchup between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. Many fans consider this clash to be one of the biggest in the sport’s history. However, when asked if he agrees with Ngannou’s claims about its significance, White was clear: “No, he doesn’t.”
As UFC 322 approaches, excitement continues to build. Fans are eager to see whether Della Maddalena can maintain his winning streak or if Makhachev will assert his dominance as the favorite in this pivotal matchup. With the stakes high and the fighters prepared, the event promises to deliver memorable moments in the world of mixed martial arts.
