The UFC brings a pair of tremendous title fights to its annual November pay-per-view outing in New York Metropolis this Saturday for UFC 322. Get your self prepared and within the know with one other version of MMA Information employees battle predictions.
The occasion might be accessible completely on ESPN pay-per-view on Saturday, November 15. The principle card will start at 10pm ET, with preliminary card motion kicking off at 6pm ET.
The principle occasion will see the UFC welterweight championship on the road as Jack Della Maddalena defends towards former light-weight champion Islam Makhachev.
Della Maddalena has received 18 straight fights since dropping the primary two of his skilled MMA profession. This features a excellent 8-0 file within the Octagon, which incorporates wins over Kevin Holland Gilbert Burns. That is JDM’s first title protection since defeating Belal Muhammad to seize the gold at UFC 315 in Might.
The 27-1 Makhachev spent a lot of the final roughly three years as UFC light-weight champion, capturing the title with a win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. He defended the belt towards Alexander Volkanovski twice, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano earlier than vacating the title to maneuver as much as 170.
The same state of affairs might be discovered within the co-main occasion of the night, as Valentina Shevchenko places up the ladies’s flyweight championship towards Weili Zhang in a battle of the UFC’s top-two ladies’s pound-for-pound combatants.
Shevchenko is within the midst of her second reign as flyweight champion, reclaiming the gold in a trilogy bout with Alexa Grasso at Noche UFC 2: UFC 306. Shevchenko retained the title towards Manon Fiorot at UFC 315. Zhang is a former two-time ladies’s strawweight champion, reclaiming the title with a win over Carla Esparza at UFC 281 and defending it efficiently towards Amanda Lemos, Yan Xiaonan, and Tatiana Suarez.
The remainder of the primary card will see a welterweight battle that includes Sean Brady and Michael Morales, one other welterweight scrap with former champion Leon Edwards dealing with Carlos Prates, and a light-weight battle that sees Beneil Dariush tackle Benoit Saint-Denis.
UFC 322: MMA Information Employees Predictions
With UFC 322 simply a few quick days away, Ryan Jarrell, Pranav Pandey, and myself (Thomas Albano) have offered our picks for the fights that make up the primary card.
Beneath, you’ll be able to try the present leaderboard by 11 playing cards in 2025.
Thomas Albano (30-21)Ryan Jarrell (28-23)Pranav Pandey (27-24)
And now, let’s check out everybody’s picks for UFC 322!
Light-weight: Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint-Denis
Thomas Albano: When Beneil Dariush bought re-booked towards Renato Moicano at UFC 317, with Moicano coming off the last-minute title shot at first of the 12 months, I assumed that was going to spell the top of Dariush’s time within the prime 10 of the light-weight contender rankings. However one way or the other he was capable of pull by and are available out on prime.
I doubt lightning strikes twice right here. Benoit Saint-Denis has confirmed to be a powerful, sturdy, and scrappy fighter on this weight class. He has seemed nice even in his losses the previous couple of years. BSD goes to have the benefit by way of each measurement and hanging. Each males have noteworthy grappling talents, with Dariush holding a selected edge on this regard. If Dariush can’t get BSD to the bottom, nonetheless, I don’t assume he’s capable of maintain up nicely towards Saint-Denis’ strikes. (Prediction: Saint-Denis)
Ryan Jarrell: I’m all the way in which again in on the BSD hype prepare after seeing what BSD did in his final battle which was a particularly spectacular win over prime prospect Mauricio Ruffy. Dariush is a tricky nicely rounded veteran, however at this stage of his profession I’m unsure he can grasp with Benoit if he’s at his finest. So long as the ‘God of Struggle’ reveals up like he did towards Ruffy, I positively count on him to overwhelm and beat up Dariush over three rounds and he could very nicely discover the end. (Prediction: Saint-Denis)
Pranav Pandey: Dariush regained his footing after two powerful knockout losses by incomes a strong determination over Renato Moicano, and he confirmed he nonetheless has high-level expertise. However at this stage of his profession, I really feel just like the margins are getting thinner for him, and dealing with somebody like Saint Denis is much from perfect.
“God of Struggle” brings youth, energy and a ruthless ending intuition. Dariush has by no means been the sort to again down or fade, however once I weigh their momentum, I find yourself leaning towards BSD taking this one. (Prediction: Saint-Denis)
Consensus: 3-0 Saint-Denis
Welterweight: Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates
Thomas Albano: I believe it is a state of affairs the place Leon Edwards has the whole lot to lose and Carlos Prates has the whole lot to realize. Edwards’ two most up-to-date fights – towards Sean Brady and Belal Muhammad – haven’t been his finest showings. And now he has to face Prates, who has confirmed himself to be a harmful striker – even in his loss to Ian Machado Garry earlier this 12 months. There are two issues that may flip this battle in Edwards’ favor. Firstly, if he makes this extra of a technical hanging matchup than making an attempt to match energy for energy, Edwards can win this battle. Secondly, if he can spend time on the bottom with Prates and convey him to the mat, Edwards can win this battle. Prates and the Preventing Nerds are in want of some main momentum to come back again to their facet, and if he can defeat Edwards right here by managing the facility of his strikes nicely, that might be what is required. (Prediction: Prates)
Ryan Jarrell: Carlos Prates’ stoppage win over Geoff Neal was actually exceptional. It was vital for ‘The Nitemare’ to remind the MMA neighborhood simply how scary he actually is, particularly after struggling his first loss contained in the octagon to a sport Machado Garry. This matchup with Leon might be a strikers delight and will very nicely steal the present as battle of the evening. Leon may be very technical and will certainly give Prates some issues early on as the 2 tussle to search out each other’s timing. However to me, the distinction would be the violent nature of strikes that Carlos at all times appears to convey to the desk. I might see Prates getting a end however the extra probably end result is Prates touchdown the extra important strikes and profitable a call over the previous champion. (Prediction: Prates)
Pranav Pandey: Leon Edwards, as soon as driving a exceptional 13-fight unbeaten streak with two title defenses, hasn’t seemed like himself currently. In his final two outings, he appeared a step behind, struggling to match the tempo and depth of his opponents. If he hasn’t patched these holes, he might discover himself in severe hazard right here as a result of Prates is the final individual you wish to give openings to. The Brazilian is a razor-sharp sniper on the ft.
“The Nightmare” has been tearing by opponents with knockouts. Apart from a good loss to Ian Garry, he has been almost flawless. For me, UFC 322 appears like his second to interrupt by in an enormous approach. I truthfully see this matchup leaning in Prates’ favour if Edwards reveals the identical inconsistencies we’ve seen not too long ago. (Prediction: Prates)
Consensus: 3-0 Prates
Welterweight: Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales
Thomas Albano: Of all of the non-title fights current on this UFC 322 card, that is the one I’m combating essentially the most. You’ve bought two rising names within the weight class who’re extraordinarily gifted and have some wins over noteworthy names beneath their belt. That is positively the battle I’ve essentially the most uncertainty with and simply wish to chill and watch all of it occur. Finally, Michael Morales is the higher, extra highly effective striker; nonetheless, Sean Brady is the higher general performer. This isn’t a striker vs. grappler battle, however I believe it involves that. If Brady can take Morales’ energy and may take him down and neutralize Morales’ offense, the battle is his. But when Brady will get cracked in the identical approach that Belal Muhammad (of all folks) cracked him, that doesn’t spell excellent news for him. If I needed to lean a method, give me Brady to be the one to place the primary L in Morales’ profession. I’ll say, nonetheless, a win right here for Morales, and we’d legitimately be taking a look at somebody who can pose a risk to the 170-pound title beginning in 2026 or 2027. (Prediction: Brady)
Ryan Jarrell: I’m so excited for this matchup. That is your striker versus grappler battle with enormous future #1 contender implications on the road. Each of those guys might be across the prime of the division for years to come back and I wouldn’t be stunned if we see these two match up once more down the road. I used to be extraordinarily impressed with what Sean Brady did in his wins over Edwards, Burns and Gastelum. Brady must be extremely cautious on the ft when getting into for a takedown as a result of Morales is a sniper. However I do assume we are going to see considerably of a grappling clinic placed on by Brady all through fifteen minutes. Morales is a dwell canine right here and will simply catch Sean coming in and shut the present. However I’m leaning Brady to proceed doing what we have now seen currently and smother his opponent en path to a transparent victory. (Prediction: Brady)
Pranav Pandey: Brady seemed so dominant in his final efficiency that he made Leon Edwards seem utterly out of rhythm. His consistency stands out, and it genuinely appears like he’s sharpening his sport each time he fights. The one actual blemish on his file is the loss to Belal, and even then, I imagine he merely bought caught on an off evening.
In the meantime, Morales brings severe knockout hazard, and he doesn’t want many openings to finish a battle. His final two finishes over seasoned veterans Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny had been the form of wins that make you cease and take discover, and he dealt with each with nearly informal ease. If the younger Ecuadorian can keep disciplined, maintain the gap and keep away from being dragged into Brady’s grappling radius, I believe he has a really actual probability of touchdown one thing clear and game-changing. (Prediction: Morales)
Consensus: 2-1 Brady
Ladies’s Flyweight Championship: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Weili Zhang
Thomas Albano: I’ve lengthy been dreaming of this battle, and I’m so excited that we’re lastly get to see it go down – and on a serious world stage like MSG, too. These are legitimately the 2 finest ladies’s fighters within the UFC now, and this is without doubt one of the hardest fights on this card to select. Finally, nonetheless, I’m going to lean towards Valentina Shevchenko. Whereas Shevchenko has had a few down performances over the previous couple of years, she has been a constant mainstay within the flyweight division’s title image since transferring there in 2018. And apart from Alexa Grasso catching her with a submission, we haven’t seen anybody convey her down. I don’t assume any of Weili Zhang’s latest title challengers have introduced her the preparation wanted for dealing with a harmful striker like Shevchenko – who, bear in mind, moved down a weight class when she moved to 125, reasonably than Zhang, who’s transferring up. I believe we are going to see an superior scrap, however I believe Shevchenko does sufficient to retain her title. (Prediction: Shevchenko)
Ryan Jarrell: That is such a tricky battle to select. These are two of the best possible ladies’s fighters of all time, so the followers needs to be in for an actual deal with. I believe it’s protected to say Valentina could have the scale and power benefit. Whereas Weili could have the pace benefit on the ft. To me, Weili has to make use of her pace and motion to frustrate Valentina on the ft and stuff the takedowns that may most definitely come her approach. I believe we are going to see a particularly shut battle the place Shevchenko steals the 50/50 rounds with a well timed takedown and prime management. I can see this battle going both approach, however I’ll lean Valentina to win a cut up determination. (Prediction: Shevchenko)
Pranav Pandey: After I have a look at this matchup, it appears like some of the intriguing clashes in ladies’s MMA proper now. Their talent units line up so intently. With Weili transferring up a division, I don’t see toughness being a difficulty in any respect. She’s as sturdy and explosive as they arrive, and I genuinely imagine she will push Shevchenko in methods only a few have. “Magnum” has a mode that mirrors Valentina’s in some ways. Her hanging stays her strongest weapon, but what actually stands out to me is how a lot her grappling has developed, even at 36.
On the opposite facet, Shevchenko has spent years beating one of the best of one of the best and establishing herself as one of many best ladies’s fighters ever. She’s nonetheless extremely composed and well-rounded, and she or he by no means fades mentally. However despite the fact that she regained her belt and defended it, I really feel like that untouchable aura she used to have has softened a bit. She hasn’t seemed fairly as dominant currently, particularly towards sturdy grapplers, the place she has proven some vulnerabilities.
If Weili is available in with a sensible mixture of stress, stage modifications and her normal high-paced hanging, I believe she has an actual probability to stroll out as a two-division champion. (Prediction: Zhang)
Consensus: 2-1 Shevchenko
Welterweight Championship: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
Thomas Albano: I used to be left jaw-dropped by Jack Della Maddalena, as he was capable of cease the takedown efforts of Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 and labored his approach to a call win and the UFC welterweight title. It was a win that shook issues up slightly bit within the UFC; nonetheless, I really feel that win would possibly all be for naught with him going up towards Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev, level clean, is without doubt one of the finest, if not one of the best, pound-for-pound fighters within the UFC. Della Maddalena might need been capable of cease the takedown efforts seen in Muhammad’s wrestling, however what number of instances have we been instructed (and seen) that Dagestani wrestling is a distinct form of animal? JDM is a tricky canine on the subject of his boxing, however I doubt he’ll be capable to have the identical form of takedown protection success towards Makhachev. I count on Makhachev to convey this battle to the bottom usually and management the motion en path to a mid-to-late battle end and earn UFC gold in a second weight class, furthering his legacy. (Prediction: Makhachev)
Ryan Jarrell: I simply wish to be clear and admit that I’m an enormous JDM fan and I’m cheering for him to get this win. Having mentioned that, my head is telling me that Islam will grow to be the eleventh fighter in UFC historical past to win a title in two weight courses. JDM had an awesome efficiency towards Belal, however he actually struggled in earlier fights towards Basil Hafez, Kevin Holland and Gilbert Burns. If JDM had points towards these fighters, then he positively will towards the previous 155 champ. I count on the hanging and energy benefit to lean in the direction of JDM, however Islam does such a masterful job of blending issues up and on the finish of the day, his grappling is world class. Due to that, I’ve to lean in the direction of Islam profitable this battle through determination and cementing himself because the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. Deliver on Islam vs Ilia! (Prediction: Makhachev)
Pranav Pandey: This matchup is without doubt one of the hardest calls on your entire card. oth guys are elite in what they do, and the dynamics of this battle make it really feel genuinely shut. Della Maddalena confirmed in his final outing that he’s bought a rock-solid blueprint for shutting down high-level wrestlers. The way in which he stuffed Belal Muhammad’s makes an attempt and stored his hanging sharp and punishing was an announcement. His boxing is crisp, his counters are nasty, and as soon as he finds his rhythm, he’s an issue for anybody at 170.
However right here is the catch. Makhachev shouldn’t be your typical grappler. Even transferring as much as welterweight, I don’t assume power might be a difficulty for him. He has constructed a profession on making elite opponents look helpless as soon as he will get his fingers on them. And it’s not simply the wrestling. His capacity to mix hanging with fixed grappling threats is what makes him such a harmful fighter. That mix might create severe issues for the Aussie champ.
Nonetheless, for this one, I discover myself leaning towards Della Maddalena. I believe he might be extremely powerful to take down, even more durable to maintain down, and assured sufficient to interact when issues get scrambly. Plus, he has a little bit of a roadmap in how Alexander Volkanovski approached Makhachev of their first assembly. (Prediction: Della Maddalena)
Consensus: 2-1 Makhachev
That’ll do it for our UFC 322 employees picks! What do you assume? Do your predictions look comparable? Tell us within the feedback part!
Additionally, you’ll be able to try the complete UFC 322 card beneath.
Primary Card:
Welterweight Championship: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
Ladies’s Flyweight Championship: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Weili Zhang
Welterweight: Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales
Welterweight: Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates
Light-weight: Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint-Denis
Preliminary Card:
Middleweight: Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira
Middleweight: Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues
Ladies’s Flyweight: Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez
Bantamweight: Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Cody Haddon
Early Preliminary Card:
Middleweight: Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert
Featherweight: Pat Sabatini vs. Chepe Mariscal
Ladies’s Strawweight: Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline
Middleweight: Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico
Light-weight: Viascheslav Borschev vs. Matheus Camilo
