UFC 322 Recap: Makhachev and Shevchenko Shine in Dominant Wins
UFC 322 delivered an unforgettable night of action, featuring two high-stakes matchups: Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena in a welterweight thriller and Valentina Shevchenko defending her flyweight title against Yanan Zhang. With explosive finishes and tactical masterclasses, here’s a breakdown of the key fights.
Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena – Fight Breakdown
Fight Summary:
In a clash of styles, grappling ace Islam Makhachev overcame a spirited challenge from striking specialist Jack Della Maddalena, securing a third-round submission victory.
- Round 1: Della Maddalena stunned fans with sharp boxing and early takedown defense, but Makhachev adjusted, landing key ground strikes.
- Round 2: Makhachev’s wrestling dominance emerged with a relentless top game, softening Della Maddalena with ground-and-pound.
- Round 3: A late surge from Della Maddalena rocked Makhachev, but the Dagestani quickly recovered, dragging the fight down and locking in a rear-naked choke for the win.
Result: Islam Makhachev def. Jack Della Maddalena via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:48.
Key Takeaway: Makhachev’s grappling prowess remains unmatched, putting him in title contention at welterweight.
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Yanan Zhang – Title Fight Analysis
Fight Summary:
Flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko weathered an early storm from power puncher Yanan Zhang, ultimately finishing the fight with a brutal mounted guillotine choke.
- Round 1: Shevchenko used precise striking to counter Zhang’s aggression, landing stiff jabs and leg kicks.
- Round 2: A spinning back kick to the body showcased Shevchenko’s versatility before she secured a late takedown.
- Round 3: After surviving a heavy right hand, Shevchenko dropped Zhang with a crushing knee and locked in the submission.
Result: Valentina Shevchenko def. Yanan Zhang via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 3, 2:15.
Key Takeaway: Shevchenko’s adaptability and killer instinct reinforce her status as one of MMA’s greatest champions.
UFC 322 Bonus Winners & Other Results
- Performance of the Night: Joaquin Buckley (KO via head kick)
- Fight of the Night: Sean Brady vs. Vicente Luque (Brady by decision)
- Amanda Ribas edged Andrea Lee in a razor-thin split decision.
What’s Next After UFC 322?
- Makhachev eyes a welterweight title shot.
- Shevchenko calls for a superfight against Zhang Weili.
- Buckley’s viral KO puts him in the spotlight for a ranked matchup.
