The stage is officially set for UFC 322 after a dramatic weigh-in session at Madison Square Garden, where 28 fighters hit the scale ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster pay-per-view. While the four title fight headliners—including Zhang Weili and Valentina Shevchenko—made weight without issue, the event was overshadowed by veteran Beneil Dariush’s costly miss on the scale for his pivotal lightweight clash with Benoit Saint-Denis.
Title Fights Set as Headliners Hit Their Marks
The top of the UFC 322 card emerged unscathed from the weigh-ins, with all four championship fighters successfully making weight. In a highly anticipated champion vs. champion superfight, strawweight titleholder Zhang Weili weighed in at 114.8 pounds for her challenge against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, who registered 124.6 pounds. The co-main event also saw former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev hit the welterweight limit of 169.8 pounds for his title bid against Jack Della Maddalena.
With the championship bouts confirmed, UFC 322 promises to deliver on its potential as one of the most stacked cards of the year, featuring multiple legacy-defining matchups that could reshape entire divisions.
Dariush’s Costly Weight Miss Shakes Up Card
The biggest story emerging from the UFC 322 weigh-ins was Beneil Dariush’s failure to make the lightweight limit for his crucial bout against rising contender Benoit Saint-Denis. Dariush weighed in at 157.2 pounds—1.2 pounds over the non-title lightweight limit—marking only the second weight miss in his 30-fight professional career.
The consequence was immediate and significant: Dariush will forfeit 20% of his fight purse to Saint-Denis, and their bout has been demoted from its premium prelims placement to open the main pay-per-view card. This development adds considerable pressure to a fight that many viewed as a potential career crossroads for the 35-year-old veteran.
Fan Reaction: Retirement Speculation and Division Concerns
The MMA community reacted strongly to Dariush’s weight miss, with many fans and analysts viewing it as a potential sign of decline. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of concern, with comments ranging from “Unc doesn’t have it in him anymore” to heartfelt pleas for the veteran to consider moving up to welterweight.
One fan’s sentiment captured the prevailing mood: “I love you, Beneil, please don’t torture yourself like this. Please move up like Islam.” The weight miss has intensified existing retirement speculation, particularly given Dariush’s recent two-fight losing streak and the brutal weight cuts associated with the lightweight division.
What’s Next for Dariush After UFC 322?
Saturday’s fight against the dangerous Benoit Saint-Denis now carries enormous implications for Beneil Dariush’s future. A third consecutive loss—combined with the weight miss—could signal the end of his tenure as a top-tier lightweight contender. Conversely, an impressive victory might temporarily quiet critics, though the weight issue would remain a concern for future bookings.
The growing consensus suggests that, regardless of outcome, a move to welterweight may be Dariush’s most logical path forward. The reduced weight cut could potentially extend his career and allow his technical skills to shine without the physical depletion associated with making 155 pounds.
Conclusion: High Stakes at Madison Square Garden
The UFC 322 weigh-ins have set the table for an event filled with championship implications and career-defining moments. While the title fights remain the main attraction, the narrative surrounding Beneil Dariush’s weight miss and potential career crossroads adds a compelling human drama to the spectacle.
As fighters make their final preparations, all eyes will be on how these scale results translate to performance inside the octagon, with particular attention on whether Dariush can overcome both his opponent and the distractions of a difficult weight cut.
UFC 322 Weigh-In Results: Your Questions Answered
Who missed weight at UFC 322?
Beneil Dariush was the only fighter to miss weight, coming in at 157.2 pounds for his lightweight bout against Benoit Saint-Denis.
What are the consequences for Dariush missing weight?
Dariush will forfeit 20% of his purse to Saint-Denis, and their fight has been moved from the prelims to open the main pay-per-view card.
Did the championship fighters make weight?
Yes, all four title fight participants successfully made weight, including Zhang Weili, Valentina Shevchenko, Islam Makhachev, and Jack Della Maddalena.
Why is there retirement speculation about Beneil Dariush?
At 35 years old and coming off two losses, the weight miss has fueled speculation that Dariush may be struggling with the demands of the lightweight division, potentially nearing the end of his career.
Will Dariush vs. Saint-Denis still happen?
Yes, the fight will proceed as scheduled, though it will now open the main PPV card rather than headline the prelims as originally planned.
