Khamzat Rules the Jungle, Makhachev Hunts History: UFC is About to Explode!

UFC 322: Makhachev Makes Welterweight Splash at MSG — Elite Card Sets Stage for Potential Record-Breakers

All eyes now shift to UFC 322, scheduled for November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden.

• Headliner: Former lightweight king Islam Makhachev will challenge welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena, fresh off vacating his 155-lb title.

• Co-Main: Strawweight champion Zhang Weili moves up to face flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko, also relinquishing her strawweight belt.

Additional key matchups include the return of ex-welterweight champ Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates.

The UFC is dialing up the heat: Makhachev opens as a strong betting favorite. With the prospect of him becoming a double champion, there's even talk of Topuria eventually chasing third-belt glory—a potential booking blockbuster.

Could this card eclipse the legacy and hype of Conor vs. Khabib? If Makhachev delivers and sets the stage for the long-awaited superfight with Ilia Topuria, it might just break the UFC record books.

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Beyond the Octagon: Notable Developments and Cross-Sport Buzz

Bryan Battle Resets with a Knockout Kickoff in Dirty Boxing

Recently released by the UFC for repeated weight misses, former TUF winner Bryan Battle wasted no time reinvigorating his career in Dirty Boxing 3—scoring a highlight-reel KO in just 56 seconds. After a sincere acknowledgment of his missteps and UFC release woes, Battle has issued a statement via victory: he’s back—and loud.

Tony Ferguson's Boxing Debut Against Salt Papi—Can the Streak End?

Long gone are the UFC chimes for Tony Ferguson, who now steps into a boxing ring against influencer Salt Papi at Misfits Boxing 22 on August 30, at AO Arena in Manchester.

• Ferguson enters with a renewed spirit—boxing has reignited his fire.

• Salt Papi, though a rookie boxer, brings momentum and a potent left hook—many see him as the slight edge over Ferguson.

This is Tony's attempt to halt an eight-fight skid, reborn in a new arena—not UFC, but still on many fight fans’ radar.

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Blog Takeaways

• Khamzat Chimaev's deep skills couldn't be reduced to criticism. For true fans, his dismantling of DDP was a masterclass in elite grappling and control.

• UFC 322 is shaping up as a career-defining night—Makhachev could be the next multi-weight legend if he survives the biggest fight of his career.

• Bryan Battle’s fast KO and Ferguson’s boxing leap highlight how rapidly athletes pivot post-UFC. Whether they’re redemption stories or reply cards, they reflect the sport’s ever-shifting landscape.