Jack Della Maddalena makes the primary protection of his welterweight title in opposition to former light-weight titleholder Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 on Saturday in New York.
A pair of title fights prime the pay-per-view providing, with Zhang Weili transferring up from ladies’s strawweight to ladies’s flyweight to attempt to knock off champion Valentina Shevchenko within the co-main occasion.
Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA) is driving an 18-fight successful streak after capturing the title at UFC 315 in Might with a unanimous determination over Belal Muhammad. The 29-year-old Australian instructed reporters Thursday afternoon he’s grateful for the chance to try to beat Makhachev (27-1 MMA), who’s ranked No. 2 by the UFC in its pound-for-pound rankings.
“That is what I obtained into this sport for,” Della Maddalena mentioned concerning the battle. “Massive challenges. Massive moments. I am excited for the problem. I am wanting ahead to it. I am excited for this battle on Saturday. It is gonna be a great night time.”
Makhachev vacated his UFC light-weight title within the spring to maneuver up a weight class, however the former champion mentioned he’s being undervalued only for switching divisions.
“That is my dream, man,” the 34-year-old Russian mentioned. “I am very near my dream. All my skilled profession once I was light-weight champion, it is my dream to grow to be double champion. Two extra days.”
Somebody’s successful streak will likely be snapped come battle night time, as Makhachev enters the battle having received 15 in a row.
The co-headliner has its personal stakes connected. Each ladies have immense respect for one another and count on the most effective from each other in a battle UFC CEO Dana White says will undoubtedly decide who’s the best feminine fighter of this technology.
“While you discuss a real tremendous battle, you’ve two champions in two completely different weight lessons,” White mentioned. “No. 1 vs. No. 2 pound-for-pound. It would not get any higher than that.”
Zhang (26-3 MMA) will likely be competing at Madison Sq. Backyard for the third time. The 35-year-old China native beat Carla Esparza there in November 2022 after dropping there to Rose Namajunas a yr earlier.
“I believe this time, I will (win),” Zhang mentioned. “And the brand new (champion).”
Shevchenko (25-4-1 MMA) expects one of many hardest fights of her profession.
“I believe it is going to be an ideal battle,” the 37-year-old Kyrgyzstan native mentioned, “and I am undoubtedly going to place every thing I’ve into an enormous efficiency. All my expertise, pace and energy. I am right here to defend my title.”
The primary-card bout order:
Fundamental occasion — Jack Della Maddalena (c) vs. Islam Makhachev, UFC welterweight title
Co-main occasion — Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Zhang Weili, UFC flyweight title
Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales, welterweight
Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates, welterweight
Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint Denis, light-weight
–Area Degree Media
