UFC 322: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev: Live round-by-round updates

Jack Della Maddalena braces for his first championship defense as Islam Makhachev arrives in a new division with plans to disrupt the welterweight order at UFC 322.

Della Maddalena enters as a young champion who relies on fundamentals and rarely deviates from them. He applies pressure through consistent output, maintains a tight guard, and benefits from long periods of clean, efficient work. His fifth-round surge against Belal Muhammad demonstrated how reliable his cardio and focus can be when the stakes are high.

Makhachev arrives with a different profile. His years at lightweight were characterized by control, patience, and an ability to steer fights toward his strengths long before opponents realize what’s happening. He reads positions well, adapts quickly, and exudes a level of composure that only comes from repeated success in high-pressure moments.

Moving to welterweight adds new variables to solve. However, questions remain about whether he will be comfortable in a heavier division.

The intrigue lies in how their strengths intersect. Della Maddalena excels when he stays upright, draws reactions, and keeps combinations flowing. Makhachev is most effective when he forces pauses, slows exchanges, and fights in ranges where his control is most effective.

The early prelims of UFC 322 start at 6 pm ET and 3 pm PT on ESPN+, Disney, and UFC Fight Pass. Prelims follow at 8 pm ET and 5 pm PT, with the main card beginning at 10 pm ET and 7 pm PT on pay-per-view.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and full round-by-round updates of UFC 322:

Round 1

Edited by Abhishek Nambiar