UFC 322 Final Presser: Della Maddalena, Makhachev Face Off

The final presser for UFC 322 took place, as UFC Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena makes his first defense against former Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev (27-1-0)

Della Maddalena became the champion by upsetting Makhchev’s close friend Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May via a unanimous decision. JDM managed to neutralize Belal’s grappling by keeping the fight standing up, as his striking was enough to secure a decision win. Meanwhile, Makhachev vacated his Lightweight title to pursue a belt in a second weight class. He looked noticeably bigger during the build up, as Khabib has said he wants his man to stay at this weight class. There has been talk of an Ilia Topuria fight, which could become a reality if Islam grabs the welterweight belt. 

In chief support, Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) takes on former Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili (26-3-0). Shevchenko is defending her flyweight belt after securing a successful defense against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315. Meanwhile, Zhang Weili is moving up a weight class, having successfully defended her Strawweight title against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312 in February before vacating the belt. Here were the key moments from the presser. 

Presser

Full Card

Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev

Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili

Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales

Bo Nickel vs. Rodolfo Vieira

Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates

Prelims

Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint Denis

Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Erin Blanchfield vs Tracy Cortez

Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Cody Haddon

Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Pat Sabatini vs. Chepe Mariscal

Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline

Saysangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico

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