NEW YORK – UFC CEO Dana White has announced three high-profile title fights for UFC 321 and UFC 322, taking place on November 15 at Madison Square Garden. The announcement was shared during an Instagram Live broadcast on August 29, 2025, and has quickly become a major talking point for fight fans.
With champion-versus-champion showdowns and a significant welterweight clash, the event already looks set to be one of the most anticipated cards of the year.
The main event sees Jack Della Maddalena, the new welterweight champion, set to defend his belt for the first time against former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Della Maddalena captured the title at UFC 315 with a one-sided win over Belal Muhammad and now faces his toughest test yet.
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
Known for his sharp boxing skills and tough takedown defence, the Aussie holds a perfect 8-0 record in the UFC, with five stoppages and six Performance Bonuses. Makhachev, who recently left his lightweight title behind to chase a second championship, enters this match following a dominant reign at 155 pounds.
His coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has described this bout as the most difficult of Makhachev’s career, pointing out Della Maddalena’s relentless striking and similarities to past opponents.
The co-main event will feature a women’s flyweight super fight between current champion Valentina Shevchenko and former strawweight champion Zhang Weili. Weili, having given up her 115-pound title, steps up to challenge Shevchenko at 125 pounds.
Shevchenko, widely recognized for her technical ability and experience, recently defended her belt against Manon Fiorot and now looks to add another high-profile win. Shevchenko brings an eight-fight title defence record and a well-rounded style, while Weili is known for her power and aggressive attacks.
Betting odds have labelled Weili as a slight favourite at -121, despite Shevchenko’s status as champion, making this one of the tightest title showdowns in recent memory. Fans are expecting a highly skilled contest that could reshape both fighters’ standing in MMA history.
Leon Edwards vs Carlos Prates
The card also features a crucial welterweight bout between former champion Leon Edwards and up-and-coming contender Carlos Prates. Edwards, coming off consecutive defeats to Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady, is aiming to bounce back against the eighth-ranked Prates, who enters the fight following a spectacular knockout of Geoff Neal at UFC 319.
Edwards, who previously claimed victories over fighters like Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, will need to draw on his striking and grappling strengths. Prates has quickly become a fan favourite for his highlight-reel finishes. The winner of this contest could find himself next in line for a shot at the welterweight title.
Erin Blanchfield and Tracy Cortez UFC 322
Dana White also hinted at more fights in the works for UFC 322, mentioning the potential matchup between Erin Blanchfield and Tracy Cortez. The card follows UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, set for October 25, where Tom Aspinall puts his heavyweight title on the line against Ciryl Gane, and Mackenzie Dern faces Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight strap.
Discussion on social media has picked up pace, with many calling UFC 322 a “super card” because of its champion-versus-champion bouts. There has been some disappointment among fans about certain missing names, such as Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria, but excitement remains high for the announced contests.
Della Maddalena against Makhachev and Shevchenko facing Weili both stand out as fights that could shape the future of their divisions. Tickets for UFC 322 are available now, and supporters are encouraged to act fast to secure a place at what is shaping up to be a landmark event. More updates are expected soon as the full card comes together.
