UFC 322 Results: A Big Night for Islam Makhachev, A Tough Night for Australia & What It Means for the Future
There are nights in the UFC that feel routine, and then there are nights like UFC 322—the kind that slap you awake, shake your assumptions, and leave you talking about fights long after the final bell. For fans in Australia, this card hit especially hard because it featured one of our own: Jack Della Maddalena. Many of us tuned in with excitement, hoping to see an Aussie lift UFC gold. But the night took a different turn, and it’s still the number-one trending sports topic in Australia today.
As someone who follows the UFC closely—and yes, sometimes gets way too emotionally involved—I felt every moment of this event. I saw hope, dominance, heartbreak, and brilliance all packed into one blockbuster card. So here’s a detailed look at what happened at UFC 322, why it matters, and what the future might look like for the fighters who stepped into the spotlight.
Islam Makhachev’s Masterclass: A Champion Operating on Another Level
If you didn’t watch the fight live, you may have still seen the headlines:
Islam Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena and claimed a clean unanimous decision victory (50–45 on all three scorecards).
That score tells you almost everything. But watching it unfold told even more.
From the opening seconds, Makhachev looked calm, almost too calm. He didn’t rush. He didn’t need to. He stayed behind a tight guard, chopped at Maddalena’s lead leg, and timed his wrestling entries perfectly. I’ve watched Makhachev fight for years, but this version looked more polished than ever—almost like he knew he would make history tonight.
And he did.
A Two-Division Champion
With this win, Makhachev joined a very exclusive club of fighters who held championships in two weight classes. Very few fighters have achieved this, and it puts him in the conversation with some of the UFC’s greatest names.
Tying Anderson Silva’s Streak
He also tied Anderson Silva’s legendary 16-fight win streak, a record many of us thought would last forever. You can dislike Makhachev’s style or argue about matchmaking, but you cannot deny the results. He wins, and he wins consistently.
Technical Breakdown
Here are the key elements that defined his victory:
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Leg Kicks: Makhachev hammered Maddalena’s right calf repeatedly. The damage became obvious by Round 3, when commentators pointed out that something looked seriously wrong with the leg.
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Takedowns & Control: Even when he didn’t land takedowns, the threat forced Maddalena to hold back his natural striking rhythm.
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Distance Management: Makhachev dictated the pace. He never let Jack stand comfortably in boxing range.
It felt like watching a chess player who already knew the checkmate sequence before touching the first piece.
Jack Della Maddalena: A Tough Loss, But Not the End
As an Aussie fan, this part hurts to write.
Jack entered this fight with a ten-fight win streak and a growing reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the welterweight division. He fought with heart and gave everything he had. But Makhachev handed him a difficult lesson about fighting at championship level.
What Went Wrong?
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Leg Damage Early: Once the leg went, Jack lost power, movement, and balance.
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Limited Takedown Attempts: Makhachev’s threat of wrestling forced Jack to stay cautious.
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Timing Mismatch: Makhachev kept catching him on entries and controlling the rhythm.
I’ve followed Jack’s career since his early Cage Warriors days, and he always bounced back stronger. This loss doesn’t define him—it teaches him. In the UFC, many fighters become legends after they lose big fights. Think Charles Oliveira. Think Leon Edwards. Think Michael Bisping.
Jack is young. Hungry. Skilled. And now, experienced in a way only a title fight can provide.
He will return.
Valentina Shevchenko Remains a Force in the Women’s Flyweight Division
Another major highlight of UFC 322 was Valentina Shevchenko's unanimous decision win over Zhang Weili. The fight wasn’t as intense as the main event, but it showed Shevchenko’s continued dominance.
Why She Won
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She controlled the clinch exchanges.
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She managed the range better.
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She avoided most of Weili’s explosive strikes.
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She picked her shots with surgical precision.
Valentina fights like she’s painting a picture—calculated strokes, clean lines, no wasted energy. Every time I watch her fight, I feel like I’m witnessing someone who has complete mastery of her craft.
Undercard Results Worth Talking About
Sometimes undercards feel like filler. Not this one. UFC 322 delivered several explosive moments.
1. Benoît Saint Denis knocks out Beneil Dariush in 18 seconds
Yes, you read that right.
18 seconds.
It was one of those “don’t blink” fights where you grab your snack and suddenly hear the commentator shouting, “It’s over!” Saint Denis is becoming a frightening presence at lightweight.
2. Michael Morales remains undefeated
He submitted Sean Brady with a rear-naked choke, proving again that he’s one of the most complete young fighters in the UFC. Every time Morales fights, I feel like I’m watching a future contender steadily grow.
3. Carlos Prates beats Leon Edwards via doctor stoppage
A deep cut ended the fight early, giving Prates a TKO win. Edwards didn’t look like himself, but Prates deserves full credit for putting on a strong performance.
4. Gregory Rodrigues picks up a clean unanimous decision
A solid fight with sharp striking exchanges and smart defense.
What UFC 322 Means for the Future
Every big UFC event leaves ripples behind, and this card created a tidal wave.
1. Makhachev’s Options Are Wide Open
He now has two belts, a historic streak, and a resume full of top-tier names. Potential next fights include:
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A rematch with Arman Tsarukyan
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A welterweight defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov
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A super-fight with another champion (you never know)
His legacy is growing, and he’s in full control of the narrative.
2. Jack Della Maddalena Must Heal and Rebuild
This loss isn’t the end. It’s a beginning. Jack showed resilience, and with a bit of adjustment—especially against elite wrestlers—he can rise again. Australian MMA fans should stay hopeful.
3. Shevchenko Continues Her Reign
Her next fight could be a trilogy or a matchup with a rising contender. Either way, she looks far from done.
4. Rising Stars Are Coming
Morales and Saint Denis made massive statements. Both could become top-five fighters within a year if they stay consistent.
A Personal Reflection on UFC 322
As someone who has watched the UFC for over a decade, I’ve learned that MMA is a mix of beauty and brutality. Some nights lift you. Some nights crush you. UFC 322 was both.
I felt proud watching an Aussie fight for gold. I felt frustrated watching him struggle. I felt awe seeing Makhachev operate like a near-perfect machine. And I felt inspired by the young fighters on the rise.
That’s the UFC.
It’s chaos.
It’s heartbreak.
It’s artistry.
And it’s unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
UFC 322 was more than a fight card. It was a turning point.
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Makhachev cemented himself as a generational great.
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Jack Della Maddalena gained invaluable experience.
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Shevchenko reminded the world why she’s elite.
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The undercard revealed the future of the sport.
And for Australian fans, the story isn’t over—it’s still unfolding. One loss doesn’t erase immense talent, and Jack remains one of the brightest prospects to come out of the country.
