In a blockbuster announcement, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that former pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev will move up to challenge current welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, set for November 15 at Madison Square Garden. As hype builds around this mega-fight, #2-ranked welterweight Sean Brady has offered his prediction, backing the champion Della Maddalena to hold onto his belt despite Makhachev’s reputation as the favourite. Brady, who is eager for his own title shot, has also voiced his hope of facing the winner in a future showdown.
A High-Stakes Welterweight Clash
The upcoming bout represents one of the most anticipated fights of the year, as Islam Makhachev makes the jump from lightweight to challenge for gold in a second division. Known for his elite grappling, Makhachev will look to impose his trademark suffocating style against Della Maddalena, a dangerous striker with knockout power. For Makhachev, the fight is a chance to cement his legacy as a two-division champion, while for Della Maddalena, it’s about proving he can fend off one of the sport’s most dominant figures.
Set against the historic backdrop of Madison Square Garden, the stakes could not be higher. A victory for either man would reshape the pound-for-pound discussion and redefine the landscape of the welterweight division.
Sean Brady’s Analysis
Among those offering insight into the matchup is Sean Brady, fresh off a career-defining win against Leon Edwards, where he became the first man to submit the former champion. Speaking on the UFC Unfiltered podcast, Brady suggested fans shouldn’t underestimate Della Maddalena’s chances: “I think it’s a much tougher fight for Islam than people are giving Jack credit for. Jack is really hard to hold down and hits like a freight train.”
Brady highlighted Della Maddalena’s ability to scramble and avoid prolonged ground exchanges, suggesting that Makhachev’s grappling dominance may not translate as smoothly as many predict. For Brady, the champion’s resilience and striking acumen make him a live threat even against one of the UFC’s most decorated wrestlers.
Brady’s Title Ambitions
Beyond analysing the fight, Brady is also looking to capitalise on the opportunity UFC 322 presents. The welterweight contender has made it clear he wants to fight on the same card and position himself as next in line for a shot at the title. “I’m hoping to fight at Madison Square Garden on that card,” Brady said. “It would be the perfect chance to line myself up for the winner.”
When pressed for a prediction, Brady didn’t hesitate to back Della Maddalena: “If I had to pick, even though Jack’s the underdog, I’d pick him.” His comments have only added intrigue to an already high-stakes fight night, especially as Brady has made no secret of his ambition to challenge whoever emerges victorious.
The Welterweight Landscape
The welterweight division is stacked with contenders, including Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ian Machado Garry. Brady’s recent rise has placed him firmly in the mix, and his willingness to face any of the top names reflects his determination to secure a title opportunity. With UFC 322 promising to reshape the division, the aftermath could set up several blockbuster fights for 2026.
Anticipation Builds for UFC 322
As the countdown to November 15 continues, UFC fans are buzzing with anticipation. Will Islam Makhachev extend his dominance into a second weight class, or will Jack Della Maddalena silence the doubters and solidify his reign? And perhaps most intriguingly, will Sean Brady be next in line to test himself against the winner?
All eyes will be on Madison Square Garden, where history could be made in one of the UFC’s most exciting welterweight title fights to date.
Key Takeaways
- Main Event: Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title at UFC 322.
- Date & Venue: November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden.
- Sean Brady’s Prediction: Picks Della Maddalena to retain, despite Makhachev being the favourite.
- Title Implications: Brady hopes to fight the winner and stake his claim for the belt.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev taking place?
- The fight is scheduled for November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden as part of UFC 322.
- What weight class is Islam Makhachev fighting in?
- Makhachev is moving up from lightweight to challenge for the UFC welterweight title.
- What does Sean Brady think about the fight?
- Brady believes Della Maddalena is being overlooked and has the tools to defend his belt against Makhachev.
- Who does Sean Brady want to fight next?
- Brady hopes to fight on the UFC 322 card and face the winner of Della Maddalena vs Makhachev.
- How will UFC 322 affect the welterweight division?
- The outcome will determine not only the champion but also the next challenger, with Brady, Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ian Machado Garry all in contention.
