UPDATE: UFC 322 has just concluded at Madison Square Garden, where Islam Makhachev showcased his dominance by becoming the new welterweight champion. In a night filled with electrifying performances, Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her flyweight title, while Carlos Prates made a remarkable comeback, knocking out former champion Leon Edwards.
The action unfolded on October 14, 2023, as Makhachev proved his mettle against Jack Della Maddalena. With a strategy that combined powerful kicks and relentless wrestling, Makhachev took control early, leaving no doubt about his capabilities at 170 pounds. He dismantled Della Maddalena within two rounds, demonstrating superior conditioning and skill.
Makhachev expressed confidence in his transition to welterweight, stating, “I feel 60 to 70% of myself at lightweight,” but after this performance, it’s clear he’s only getting better. Experts agree: the pound-for-pound number one fighter has elevated his game, making him a formidable challenge for anyone in the division.
“He looked strong, well-conditioned, healthy all week,” said UFC analyst Brett Okamoto.
Shevchenko also delivered an impressive performance, dominating Zhang Weili with strategic precision. She controlled the fight for over 13 minutes, landing multiple takedowns and effectively neutralizing Zhang’s offense. Despite Zhang’s efforts to challenge the reigning champion, she managed only a handful of significant strikes throughout the fight.
Post-fight, Shevchenko’s tactical prowess shone through as she executed a game plan that left no room for error. Zhang, who had vacated her strawweight title for this matchup, faced a tough reality. As she considers her next steps, her future direction will likely involve a return to the 115-pound division.
“Zhang Weili is someone who falls and gets back up,” she stated, showcasing her resilience.
The night wasn’t solely about the champions. Michael Morales made headlines with a stunning first-round knockout of veteran Sean Brady. Morales, who has been steadily climbing the ranks, needed just over three minutes to finish Brady, solidifying his status as a top contender in the welterweight division. His undefeated streak now raises questions about a potential title shot, a prospect he fervently desires.
Morales’ explosive performance at such a prestigious venue has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Standing at 6-feet tall with a commanding reach, Morales is rapidly becoming a nightmare for opponents.
“It’s difficult to say that he doesn’t deserve a title shot,” said UFC commentator Andreas Hale, highlighting Morales’ impressive trajectory.
Additionally, Carlos Prates reignited his contender status with a jaw-dropping knockout of Leon Edwards, who had never been finished in his 29-fight career. Prates’ single-punch knockout in the second round not only elevated his own profile but also added to the excitement surrounding the welterweight division.
Experts agree that both Prates and Morales have emerged as fierce competitors in a crowded field, and UFC 322 has solidified their places among the elite. As the welterweight division buzzes with new challengers, fans can expect thrilling matchups in the near future.
With the dust settling from UFC 322, the MMA world is left buzzing. Keep an eye on Makhachev and the rising stars like Morales and Prates as they continue to shake up the rankings and vie for championship gold.