UFC 322 Final Presser: Della Maddalena, Makhachev Face Off
The final presser for UFC 322 took place, as UFC Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena makes his first defense against former Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev (27-1-0)
Della Maddalena became the champion by upsetting Makhchev’s close friend Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May via a unanimous decision. JDM managed to neutralize Belal’s grappling by keeping the fight standing up, as his striking was enough to secure a decision win. Meanwhile, Makhachev vacated his Lightweight title to pursue a belt in a second weight class. He looked noticeably bigger during the build up, as Khabib has said he wants his man to stay at this weight class. There has been talk of an Ilia Topuria fight, which could become a reality if Islam grabs the welterweight belt.
In chief support, Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) takes on former Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili (26-3-0). Shevchenko is defending her flyweight belt after securing a successful defense against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315. Meanwhile, Zhang Weili is moving up a weight class, having successfully defended her Strawweight title against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312 in February before vacating the belt. Here were the key moments from the presser.
Presser
Full Card
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili
Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales
Bo Nickel vs. Rodolfo Vieira
Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates
Prelims
Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint Denis
Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues
Erin Blanchfield vs Tracy Cortez
Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Cody Haddon
Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert
Pat Sabatini vs. Chepe Mariscal
Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline
Saysangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico
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