Jack Della Maddalena is heading into UFC 322 ready to defend his welterweight title for the first time. He’s up against a tough opponent, former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev. Della Maddalena, the Aussie striker, won his belt with sharp boxing, a fast pace, and better takedown defense, making him one of the most well-rounded fighters at 170 pounds. Makhachev, who’s been on an impressive winning streak and is moving up in weight, plans to take control early with his world-class grappling. If he can handle the size difference, his ability to close the distance and control the top position might shut down Della Maddalena’s top-notch stand-up game.

This fight is a clash between two highly skilled fighters, one known for precise striking and quick counters, the other for grinding opponents with strong ground control and submission moves.

Della Maddalena has a 50 percent knockout rate and solid defense, so expect him to keep the fight standing and test Makhachev’s toughness at this new weight. On the other hand, Makhachev also has a 50 percent submission rate and a steady pace that suggests he’ll try to take the fight to the ground early.

Fans at Madison Square Garden are in for a real battle of styles. Makhachev wants to prove he can be a two-division champ, while Della Maddalena aims to prove he’s the real deal at welterweight.

UFC 322 Main Event Preview: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev

• Event: UFC 322  
• Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025  
• Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY  
• Main Card Start: 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+ PPV)  
• Prelims: 8:00 p.m. ET  
• Early Prelims: 6:00 p.m. ET  
• Main Event Fight: Jack Della Maddalena (18–2) vs. Islam Makhachev (27–1)  
• Weight Class: Welterweight Title Fight  

Both fighters aren’t just battling for the belt — they’re fighting for their legacies. Della Maddalena has made a name for himself with sharp, precise striking and staying calm under pressure. He wears down opponents with well-timed punches, especially to the body. Makhachev, meanwhile, has dominated the lightweight division with fierce grappling and is stepping into welterweight to show he can do the same there. Both guys can adjust their game plan on the fly, so this fight will be like a chess match, one slip-up could change everything.

UFC 322 is shaping up to be one of the biggest fights of the year. It pits Makhachev’s relentless grappling against Della Maddalena’s smooth striking at Madison Square Garden. This fight isn’t just about the title, it’s about proving who really rules at welterweight, and the winner will solidify their spot as one of UFC's all-time greats. Whether it ends on the mat or with a knockout punch, this fight will shake up the division for sure.

Wilson Pick Focus: Islam Makhachev @ Jack Della Maddalena - (Makhachev ML)

I’m backing Islam Makhachev to reclaim UFC gold. As much as I'd love to see Jack Della Maddalena defend his belt in this massive title fight at Madison Square Garden, this matchup feels like an uphill climb. Makhachev is a dominant force, his transition to welterweight looks seamless, and his submission win over Renato Moicano proved he’s still levels above most of the competition. Della Maddalena is as gritty as they come, but I think he’s just holding the title until Makhachev takes it back.

Big cards like UFC 322 always draw wild predictions, but our Bankroll U playmakers keep it sharp, breaking down the odds, parlays, and matchups to find real value where hype meets the cage.