UFC 322 Results & Payouts: Makhachev Becomes Double Champ at MSG

UFC 322- Madison Square Garden, New York — November 15, 2025.
UFC 322 delivered one of the most historic nights in modern MMA history as Islam Makhachev etched his name among the sport’s all-time greats, dominating welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena over five rounds to capture his second UFC title. With a flawless 50-45 sweep across all three scorecards, Makhachev joined the elite club of two-division UFC champions, tied Anderson Silva’s 16-fight UFC win streak, and reaffirmed his status as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.

But the night belonged to more than just the new welterweight king. The card delivered highlight-reel knockouts, breakout performances from a new wave of contenders, and another masterclass from Valentina Shevchenko.

Here’s the full breakdown of everything that went down at UFC 322.

Makhachev Outclasses Della Maddalena in Every Phase

Heading into UFC 322, many analysts wondered whether Islam Makhachev’s dominance at lightweight would translate to a bigger and more explosive welterweight division. By the end of Round 1, that question was answered emphatically.

A Tactical Shutout

Makhachev wasted no time implementing his game plan, scoring an early single-leg takedown and immediately putting the Australian champion into deep defensive waters. Over the next five rounds, the Dagestani superstar:

• Landed 140 significant strikes to Della Maddalena’s 30

• Secured over 19 minutes of control time

• Completed every takedown he attempted

• Neutralized Jack’s boxing with relentless pressure and calf kicks

• Advanced position repeatedly while threatening kimuras, arm-triangles, and back takes

Della Maddalena, widely regarded as one of the best pure boxers in MMA, simply never found space to work. His jab was taken away early by Makhachev’s leg-kicking strategy, and every attempt to circle out of pressure was cut off by the takedown threat.

A New King at 170

By Round 4, the Australian’s corner was pleading for urgency. Yet every attempt to push forward led to another effortless Makhachev takedown.

The story of the fight was clear: Makhachev didn’t just win — he controlled every minute, showcasing the suffocating, position-heavy style that defined the Nurmagomedov lineage.

When the final horn sounded, the outcome was obvious.

Official Result: Islam Makhachev def. Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

After the win, Makhachev called for something unprecedented:

“Open the White House. I’m coming.”

With UFC reportedly planning a historic Washington D.C. card next year, the double champ made it clear he wants to headline it.

Co-Main Event: Valentina Shevchenko Dominates Zhang Weili

Two pound-for-pound legends met in the co-main event, but the result was as one-sided as any title defense in Shevchenko’s career.

A Veteran’s Clinic

Zhang Weili entered UFC 322 seeking two-division glory after vacating her strawweight belt. Instead, she ran into a buzzsaw.

Valentina Shevchenko used her size, strength, and technical mastery to shut Zhang down from the opening minute. Every attempt by Zhang to push forward was countered by pinpoint striking, body kicks, and clean level changes that resulted in repeated takedowns.

Across 25 minutes, Shevchenko:

• Outstruck Zhang in every round

• Went 5 of 6 on takedowns

• Controlled over half the fight

• Neutralized Zhang’s footwork and power with distance management

Official Result: Valentina Shevchenko def. Zhang Weili via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

With this win, Shevchenko:

• Extended her UFC women’s title-fight wins to 11, passing Amanda Nunes

• Recorded one of the most dominant wins of her storied career

• Reminded the world why she has been pound-for-pound elite for nearly a decade

Post-fight, “The Bullet” teased potential challengers — naming Erin Blanchfield, Natalia Silva, and Kayla Harrison as potential next steps.

Main Card Highlights

UFC 322 didn’t just showcase champion dominance — it delivered explosive action from rising stars eager to break into title contention.

⭐ Michael Morales Defeats Sean Brady (KO, Round 1)

The Ecuadorian standout delivered a monster statement, stopping the highly ranked Sean Brady with a barrage of well-timed punches midway through the opening round. Morales’ speed and accuracy were on display, setting him up for a massive leap toward the top of the division.

This win likely rockets Morales into the welterweight Top 10.

⭐ Carlos Prates Shocks Leon Edwards (KO, Round 2)

In the most dramatic moment of the night, Carlos Prates flattened former welterweight champion Leon Edwards with a clean left hand that instantly silenced the arena.

Edwards, now on a three-fight losing streak, faces the toughest crossroads of his career. Prates, meanwhile, emerges as a legitimate contender in a suddenly wide-open welterweight division.

⭐ Benoît Saint Denis Destroys Dariush (KO, 16 Seconds)

BSD continues to build a reputation as one of the most violent fighters in the sport. His lightning-fast knockout over Beneil Dariush was the fastest finish of the night and reinforces his place among lightweight contenders.

Prelim Highlights

✔ Bo Nickal Gets Back on Track

After a setback earlier in the year, Bo Nickal delivered a much-needed rebound performance, knocking out Rodolfo Vieira with a head kick in Round 3.
The crowd erupted — and Nickal responded with a double middle-finger celebration toward those who doubted him.

Love him or not, Nickal remains one of the most intriguing prospects in MMA.

✔ Erin Blanchfield Submits Tracy Cortez

A future flyweight title challenger, Blanchfield once again proved her grappling pedigree, securing a rear-naked choke late in Round 2. With Shevchenko victorious earlier in the night, Blanchfield vs. Shevchenko suddenly looks very realistic for 2026.

✔ Kyle Daukaus Subs Gerald Meerschaert in 50 Seconds

Daukaus opened the night with a lightning-fast D’arce choke, handing submission specialist Meerschaert a rare tap.

Full UFC 322 Results

Below is a clean roundup for SEO and reader clarity:

Main Event – Welterweight Title

• Islam Makhachev def. Jack Della Maddalena — Unanimous Decision (50-45 x3)

Co-Main Event – Women’s Flyweight Title

• Valentina Shevchenko def. Zhang Weili — Unanimous Decision (50-45 x3)

Main Card

• Michael Morales def. Sean Brady — KO/TKO, Round 1

• Carlos Prates def. Leon Edwards — KO/TKO, Round 2

• Benoît Saint Denis def. Beneil Dariush — KO/TKO, Round 1

Prelims

• Bo Nickal def. Rodolfo Vieira — KO/TKO, Round 3

• Gregory Rodrigues def. Roman Kopylov — Unanimous Decision

• Erin Blanchfield def. Tracy Cortez — Submission, Round 2

• Ethyn Ewing def. Malcolm Wellmaker — Unanimous Decision

Early Prelims

• Kyle Daukaus def. Gerald Meerschaert — Submission, Round 1

• Pat Sabatini def. Chepe Mariscal — Unanimous Decision

• Fatima Kline def. Angela Hill — Unanimous Decision

• Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric McConico — KO/TKO, Round 3

• Matheus Camilo def. Viacheslav Borshchev — Unanimous Decision

UFC 322 Payouts: How Much Each Fighter Earned?

UFC 322 took over Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025, and it turned into one of the biggest money nights of the entire year. The event was headlined by Islam Makhachev, who moved up and beat welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena to become a two-division UFC champion. In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko defended her flyweight belt against Zhang Weili in another high-level matchup.

The numbers were massive:

• $13.6 million gate revenue

• $350,500 in Promotional Guidelines Compliance (PGC) payouts — the highest of 2025

And on top of that, fighters also earned base salaries, win bonuses, performance bonuses, sponsorships, and PPV shares. As usual, the UFC doesn’t release exact purse numbers, but industry estimates give us a pretty clear picture. Makhachev walked away as the top earner with around $3.3 million—the biggest payday of his career.

Below is a simple breakdown of the estimated payouts for every fighter on the card.

Main Card Payouts (Biggest Earners of the Night)

Four fighters earned $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses:
Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, Benoît Saint Denis, and Bo Nickal.

No Fight of the Night bonus was awarded.

Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena

Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili

Carlos Prates vs. Leon Edwards

Michael Morales vs. Sean Brady

Benoît Saint Denis vs. Beneil Dariush

Prelim Card Payouts

Prelims featured a mix of rising contenders and seasoned veterans. Bo Nickal stole the show with a head-kick knockout.

Notable Prelim Earnings

Early Prelims: Newcomers & Upsets

The Bigger Picture: What UFC 322 Shows About Fighter Pay

UFC 322 paid out a huge amount in bonuses and PGC money, with $350,500 split across the roster. Four fighters took home $50K bonuses for standout finishes. The PPV is estimated to have hit around 850,000 buys, which boosted the earnings of top stars even more.

But the event also highlights a major gap in fighter pay:

• Superstars like Makhachev make over $3 million, while

• Early prelim fighters take home around $10–20K.

The debate on fighter pay isn’t going away. Still, for now, UFC 322 proved once again that Madison Square Garden delivers big moments — and big money.

Estimates based on MMA Salaries, Tapology, and athletic commission info. Actual PPV payouts vary per contract.

What’s Next for the Champions?

Islam Makhachev

Becoming a two-division champion will ignite massive debates about the greatest fighters in UFC history.
Possible next opponents include:

• Belal Muhammad (rematch storyline)

• Shavkat Rakhmonov

• Colby Covington

• Ilia Topuria (if he moves up)

But with Makhachev asking for the White House card, timing will determine everything.

Valentina Shevchenko

Three possible contenders stand out:

• Erin Blanchfield

• Natalia Silva

• Kayla Harrison (if she moves into title contention)

Given her dominant performance, Shevchenko remains one of the UFC’s most reliable champions.

Final Takeaway: UFC 322 Was a Legacy Night

UFC 322 will be remembered not just for individual performances, but for what the night represented:

• A new double-champ crowned

• A women’s legend adding another chapter

• A wave of new welterweight contenders arriving

• Multiple KOs that shook the rankings

Islam Makhachev and Valentina Shevchenko reminded the world why they’re all-time greats, but fighters like Morales, Prates, and Nickal showed the future is just as fascinating.

Madison Square Garden has hosted countless historic UFC moments — UFC 322 enters that list with ease.