The world of mixed martial arts is buzzing with anticipation as the UFC welterweight title showdown between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev draws near. Scheduled for November 15, 2025, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, UFC 322 promises fireworks as Makhachev, the former lightweight king, steps up to challenge Della Maddalena for welterweight supremacy. But while the main event has captured global attention, the bantamweight division is experiencing its own seismic shifts, thanks to the relentless dominance of Merab Dvalishvili and the rising threat posed by Umar Nurmagomedov.
Let’s start with the main event. Islam Makhachev, widely regarded as one of the pound-for-pound greats, made headlines earlier this year when he vacated his lightweight title to pursue glory at 170 pounds. The move surprised some, but those in his inner circle, like close friend and teammate Umar Nurmagomedov, insist Makhachev is more than ready for this new chapter. "Islam is in amazing shape. This guy is a very smart fighter," Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. "I'm his friend, and he just doesn't have one plan for the fight, he has plan A, B, C, and all alphabet. He has everything. If something he couldn't do, he can try other one. If other one is not good, he goes to the next one. He's amazing. He's an amazing fighter, and he's an amazing friend, brother, and he will take this belt. I think he deserves."
Nurmagomedov’s words highlight not just Makhachev’s physical readiness but his strategic depth. Della Maddalena, known for his crisp striking and finishing ability, will need to brace himself for a multifaceted attack. While many fans and pundits have painted this as a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup, Nurmagomedov warns there’s much more beneath the surface. "He's become bigger, and now he has more power than ever. I think he's ready," Nurmagomedov added, hinting at the evolution in Makhachev’s physique and fighting style since his move up in weight.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Della Maddalena, who has carved out a reputation as one of the most dangerous welterweights in the UFC, faces the ultimate test in Makhachev—a fighter whose adaptability and championship pedigree make him a daunting opponent. With the event set in the heart of New York City, the stage is set for a night that could redefine both fighters’ legacies.
Yet, while the welterweight division prepares for a possible shake-up, the bantamweight scene is being dominated by Merab Dvalishvili, whose relentless pace and iron will have earned him widespread acclaim. Dvalishvili, the reigning bantamweight champion, has already defended his title three times this year and is on the verge of a record fourth defense—a feat virtually unheard of in today’s MMA landscape.
His activity level is turning heads across the sport. "I think he deserves to be the fighter of the year because he'll defend the title for the fourth time. Nobody is doing that. He's very active. It's amazing," Umar Nurmagomedov said on October 18, 2025, as reported by Red Corner MMA. The sentiment is echoed by former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, who believe Dvalishvili’s work rate and consistency set him apart in a field where most champions fight only once or twice a year.
Dvalishvili’s nickname, ‘The Machine,’ feels especially apt as reports suggest he’s planning to fight five times in 2026. That kind of schedule is almost unheard of at the championship level, where injuries, promotional obligations, and the sheer toll of title defenses often slow even the most dedicated athletes. But Dvalishvili seems determined to defy convention, making his bid for Fighter of the Year all the more compelling.
Of course, no champion reigns unchallenged forever. Umar Nurmagomedov, who suffered his first professional defeat at the hands of Dvalishvili at UFC 311, is widely considered the most credible threat to the Georgian’s throne. Despite the loss, Nurmagomedov’s stock remains high—he entered that bout undefeated in over 14 fights and has earned praise from UFC President Dana White for his mentality and approach to the sport.
Belal Muhammad, a respected contender in his own right, believes the rivalry between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov is far from over. "The Young Eagle is the only fighter who can beat him," Muhammad asserted, while also pointing out that Dvalishvili doesn’t always give Nurmagomedov the credit he deserves. With both fighters boasting world-class wrestling and relentless pressure, any rematch between them promises to be a tactical chess match and a fan favorite.
For now, though, Nurmagomedov is focused on his own path. He’s set to headline UFC Fight Night 262 against Mario Bautista on October 18, 2025, a bout that could help him regain momentum and position himself for another title shot. The Dagestani’s resilience and hunger are evident—he’s not one to dwell on setbacks, and his sights are firmly set on climbing back to the top.
Meanwhile, the UFC’s landscape continues to shift. The willingness of fighters like Makhachev to jump divisions in pursuit of greatness, and champions like Dvalishvili to defend their belts at a breakneck pace, signals a new era of ambition and activity at the highest level of the sport. Fans are the beneficiaries, treated to a steady stream of marquee matchups and storylines that keep the MMA world on the edge of its seat.
So, what should fans expect in the coming months? UFC 322’s main event could see a new champion crowned or Della Maddalena cementing his status as the undisputed king of the welterweights. In the bantamweight division, all eyes will be on Dvalishvili’s historic quest for a fourth title defense and Nurmagomedov’s determined comeback. And with the promise of even more activity in 2026, the UFC’s schedule looks busier—and more exciting—than ever.
As the dust settles from recent fights and anticipation builds for what’s next, one thing is certain: the UFC’s top fighters are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, both inside and outside the Octagon. Whether it’s Makhachev’s strategic brilliance, Dvalishvili’s relentless pace, or Nurmagomedov’s unyielding spirit, the sport is thriving on the backs of athletes who refuse to settle for anything less than greatness. The next chapter is about to be written, and it promises to be unforgettable.