UFC 322 just keeps getting better! First, Islam Makhachev’s pursuit of double-champ glory against Jack Della Maddalena in the headline bout is sure to steal the spotlight. Then, in the co-main event, Zhang Weili will aim to make history as she challenges Valentina Shevchenko for the women’s flyweight title. Adding more fire to the lineup, the UFC recently confirmed Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint Denis, which is expected to be pure chaos. But it’s not just the main card drawing all the buzz.

While the top five fights will naturally grab most of the attention, the prelims are quietly shaping up to be just as intriguing. Fans are eager to see if Bo Nickal can bounce back against Rodolfo Vieira after his setback at UFC Des Moines. Also, whether Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodriguez might turn into a Fight of the Year contender. So, anticipation for the MSG card is already sky-high. And now, it just hit another level. UFC’s undefeated knockout machine, Malcolm Wellmaker, is officially returning to action at Madison Square Garden.

Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Serhiy Sidey set for UFC 322

Freelance journalist Marcel Dorff broke the news on X, writing, “Undefeated Malcolm Wellmaker (10-0) returns on November 15th. He takes on Serhiy Sidey (12-2) at Madison Square Garden in New York 🗽.” Malcolm Wellmaker has already started making serious waves in the UFC. Fighting out of Augusta, Georgia, ‘The Machine’ has delivered back-to-back knockouts since joining the promotion.

After making a splash through the Contender Series in August last year, in his UFC debut in April, Wellmaker made a statement by stopping rising 135-pound contender Cameron Saaiman in the very first round. And then, he followed that up with another brutal finish over Kris Moutinho in front of his home crowd in June, extending his record to a perfect 10-0. While Wellmaker looks more dangerous than ever, his next opponent is no easy task.

Serhiy Sidey has also impressed fans with his gritty performances inside the Octagon. While he might not be as explosive as Wellmaker, the Canadian has showcased sharp technical striking in his recent bouts against Cameron Smotherman and Garrett Armfield. With UFC 322 set for November 15th, fans can expect another electrifying matchup on an already stacked card. But that’s not the only hype surrounding this historic event. 

Top Stories

UFC Announces Multiple Card Shake-Up During Vegas 112 Live Broadcast

Laura Sanko Claims Her Husband “Doesn’t Give a Sh-t” and Barely Attends UFC Fights

Khabib Nurmagomedov Takes Subtle Jab at Conor McGregor as Mike Tyson Gets Pulled Into Old Rivalry

Are Jailton and Cesar Almeida Brothers? Debunking the UFC Family Rumor

UFC Vegas 112 Fighter Carried Out of Octagon After KO Loss Leaves Her Unable to Walk

One half of the headliner, Islam Makhachev, has just shared some important news that clears up a lot of questions leading into fight week.

Islam Makhachev might not return to lightweight after MSG fight

For sure, the former UFC lightweight champion’s move to welterweight wasn’t just about chasing double-champ glory. Another key reason was the brutal weight cuts he endured to make the 155 lbs limit. So, fighting at welterweight would require him to bulk up and face Jack Della Maddalena. Still, questions lingered about whether Islam would return to lightweight if he lost to the Aussie.

According to a BloodyElbow article, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, revealed that his fighter has packed on serious size for UFC 322, reportedly around 190 lbs—a massive change in terms of body mechanics. Adding to that, former 155 lbs kingpin’s teammate Magomed Zaynukov, who recently earned a UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series, confirmed that Islam likely won’t return to the lightweight division.

Considering Makhachev has reached around 190 lbs, dropping to 170 lbs will already be a grueling cut. From there, trying to make 155 lbs would be near impossible and unhealthy. It’s safe to say welterweight could become the Dagestani legend’s new home.

That said, do you think Islam Makhachev will become the next 170 lbs champion at UFC 322? And would that be the ultimate scenario to boost the event’s success? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.