UFC 322 takes place this Saturday with two massive opportunities: Islam Makhachev moving up to welterweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena, and Zhang Weili squaring off against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. The question on everyone’s mind: can both fighters walk out as double-champions?
MMA Fighting analysts Alexander K. Lee, Mike Heck, and Jed Meshew weighed in.
Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena:
Lee is skeptical about Makhachev pulling off the upset: “Will it happen? No. Shevchenko is the more obvious pick, but I think counting JDM out is foolish.” Della Maddalena’s win over Belal Muhammad, who trains with Makhachev, gives him a slight edge in the analyst’s view.
Heck, on the other hand, believes both challengers have a shot: “I think Zhang Weili’s chances are significantly higher than Makhachev’s, but I’m picking both to win.” Meanwhile, Meshew broke it down using betting odds, concluding that a double-champ scenario has roughly a 39.5% chance. He adds, however, that the fight is the ultimate test for Makhachev in a new weight class.
Zhang Weili vs. Shevchenko:
The women’s clash is being called a “once-in-a-lifetime” matchup. Meshew highlights the stakes: “Shevchenko is arguably the third greatest female fighter ever, and Zhang isn’t a spring chicken either.” Lee also notes the potential historical significance, dubbing it “the greatest women’s MMA fight ever booked.”
Welterweight Contenders to Watch:
While the title fights grab the spotlight, other fights on the card carry huge implications. Meshew points to Islam Makhachev as having the most to gain if he wins, cementing his place among MMA’s elite. For non-title bouts, Michael Morales vs. Sean Brady draws attention — a win could catapult Morales into top contender discussions, though Brady’s victory might position him for bigger fights.
Intriguing Prelims:
The analysts are equally excited about prelims. Heck highlights Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez 2, a flyweight clash with title implications. Meshew calls Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Cody Haddon a “dark horse” matchup, promising fireworks despite lesser-known names. Lee is intrigued by Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira, a grappling-heavy fight that could define Nickal’s UFC trajectory.
UFC 322 promises high-stakes action across multiple divisions, with double-champion possibilities, contender shakeups, and exciting prelims. Whether it’s Makhachev moving up, Zhang chasing history, or breakout stars on the undercard, Saturday’s card has something for every fight fan.
Fans will be watching closely to see if history is made — and whether these champions can cement their legacies with gold in multiple divisions. 🏆💥