UFC 322 is set to take place this Saturday at New York’s Madison Square Garden, featuring an exciting lineup of title fights with a notable twist: two former champions are vying for new belts after relinquishing their previous titles. This marks the third occurrence of such a scenario in 2025, reflecting an apparent shift away from the era of dual champions in the Octagon.
The origins of this transition can be traced back to Conor McGregor, who made history nine years ago by becoming the first fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously. Following his electrifying victory at UFC 205, McGregor famously demanded a second belt on the spot, cementing his status as a pioneering champion. Following McGregor, only a handful of fighters, including Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo, have achieved simultaneous reigns before the trend plateaued around 2019.
At UFC 322, Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight champion, will challenge welterweight titleholder Jack Della Maddalena in the main event, while Zhang Weili, a former strawweight champion, faces current flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in the co-main event. Both fighters have vacated their previous titles to pursue new championship opportunities this year, indicating a trend of champions prioritizing new challenges over holding onto multiple belts.
UFC CEO Dana White recognizes the challenges and dynamics that come with champions vacating their titles. He lauded Ilia Topuria for moving up and vacating his featherweight title to make way for new contenders, emphasizing the importance of not holding up opportunities in the divisions. White suggested the ideal path for fighters is to establish dominance in their divisions before exploring new weight classes, though he has indicated flexibility regarding champion status, stating that holding multiple belts could still happen under the right circumstances.
Statistically, the weekend’s fights promise to showcase some of the most skilled fighters in the sport. Makhachev, with an impressive record of 27-1, is on a quest for a victory that would tie him with Anderson Silva for the UFC win streak record. Della Maddalena, boasting a record of 18-2, arrives as a dangerous striker having won 18 consecutive fights, including a notable victory against grappling specialist Belal Muhammad.
In the women’s co-main event, the battle between Shevchenko (25-4-1) and Zhang (26-3) is touted to be one of the year’s most evenly matched fights. Shevchenko’s high-level grappling combined with her striking volume contrasts with Zhang’s power striking, creating a compelling matchup for fans. Both fighters have reached critical points in their careers, making Saturday’s event a must-watch.
This card also features a host of promising talents looking to leave their mark. Among them are Erin Blanchfield, Michael Morales, and Fatima Kline—each undefeated and showcasing exciting potential. With names such as Bo Nickal and Gerald Meerschaert also in the mix, this fight card promises a thrilling evening filled with competitive bouts.
As UFC 322 approaches, fight fans can anticipate not just the championship implications but also a night highlighting the sport’s evolving landscape and its elite competitors. It stands as a testament to the ongoing dynamism within the UFC, as new challengers rise to stake their claims, potentially ushering in a new era in the sport.