UFC 322 Results: Islam Makhachev Dominates, Shevchenko Beats Zhang, and Other Key Outcomes
UFC 322 delivered a night of decisive victories on Saturday, with Russia’s Islam Makhachev retaining his lightweight title by a unanimous decision over challenger Jack Della Maddalena, and former flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defeating Zhang Weili in a unanimous decision on the women’s flyweight card.
Makhachev, who entered the octagon with an unblemished record, outperformed Maddalena across all five rounds, earning perfect 10‑9 scores from each judge (50-45, 50-45, 50-45). The Russian displayed his trademark grappling control, securing multiple takedowns and maintaining top position for the majority of the bout, while also landing effective strikes that kept the Australian challenger at range. Officials noted that Makhachev’s performance reaffirmed his status as a dominant champion in the division.
In the co‑main event, Shevchenko showcased her striking precision and fight IQ against the former strawweight champion Zhang Weili. The bout, also decided by unanimous 50-45 scores, saw Shevchenko dominate the stand‑up exchanges, landing clean combinations while evading Zhang’s power shots. Analysts highlighted Shevchenko’s ability to impose her game plan early, limiting Zhang’s attempts to turn the fight into a grappling contest.
The event featured several other noteworthy outcomes. Michael Morales secured a technical knockout victory, while up‑and‑coming prospects added to the night’s excitement with impressive finishes. Post‑fight, UFC officials praised the overall production, emphasizing the depth of talent on the card and the organization’s continued growth in international markets.
Looking ahead, Makhachev’s next challenger is expected to emerge from the lightweight rankings, with several contenders positioning themselves for a title shot. Shevchenvich’s win re‑establishes her as a top contender in the flyweight division, potentially setting up a rematch with the current champion later in the year. The results from UFC 322 underscore the promotion’s dynamic landscape, where established stars and rising fighters alike continue to shape the sport’s future.
