As the year winds down, UFC fans are feeling a mix of excitement and nostalgia, especially as it also marks the final chapter of the UFC-ESPN partnership. With the promotion set to move away from its traditional pay-per-view model toward a direct-to-consumer platform, only four events remain under the old deal. Among these, nothing commands more attention than UFC 322, happening this weekend at Madison Square Garden, the heart of the ‘Big Apple’, a venue that has consistently proven its value since day one.

This 12th PPV event of the year is shaping up to be a high-stakes affair, headlined by a welterweight showdown between former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, which really elevates the card’s appeal. On top of that, Joe Rogan makes his return to the commentary team, adding even more excitement. With that in mind, here’s a full breakdown of the broadcast lineup and commentary team.

Who else is returning with Joe Rogan on the UFC 322 broadcast team?

Fans know that Joe Rogan carefully avoids international trips at 58 while balancing his commentary and podcast responsibilities. At UFC 320, he called the action for Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev 2. Now, for his return at UFC 322, he will join Jon Anik, who will lead commentary from cage side, alongside former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier.

Meanwhile, the UFC 322 main card will stream on pay-per-view via ESPN+ starting at 10:00 PM ET. Prelims kick off at 8:00 PM ET and will air across ESPNews, ESPN, Disney+, and FX, with early prelims also available on ESPN+, Disney+, and FX. On the reporting side, UFC correspondent Megan Olivi will handle backstage coverage, conducting pre- and post-fight interviews and delivering real-time updates to fans. In addition, Daniel Cormier will lead the weigh-in shows alongside host Dan Hellie, with Frankie Edgar and color analyst Laura Sanko joining for expert commentary.

The analyst desk will feature Anthony Smith, Teddy Atlas, and Brandon Fitzgerald, with Atlas and Fitzgerald hired specifically for the fight night. Meanwhile, Chael Sonnen will take center stage on the desk during UFC 322, bringing his analysis and predictions to the broadcast. Sonnen has high expectations for the event. In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, he stated that he expects big things from UFC 322, though he also feels the event lacks some of the usual “buzz.” At the same time, he highlighted the bright side of the card.

Madison Square Garden pushes Dana White’s $20 million dream forward

UFC events at Madison Square Garden have long been a high-stakes venture for Dana White and his team, often showcasing the biggest fights of the year. This was evident with UFC 205, featuring Conor McGregor, and last year’s UFC 309 with Jon Jones; both cards generated record-breaking revenue, solidifying the promotion’s top-tier status. However, 2025 has been a slower year, with no event’s live gate surpassing $12 million, a stark contrast to previous years.

In comparison, UFC 300, 303, 306, and 309 all brought in blockbuster earnings. The upcoming UFC event at Madison Square Garden could be a turning point for the promotion, especially with “the most famous” Muslim athlete in the world, Islam Makhachev, headlining the card. On a positive note, Chael Sonnen expects the event to deliver the anticipated financial success for both fans and fighters. During his latest appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he revealed that the fight could generate more than $20 million.

Sonnen said, “But then meanwhile, they’ve got this great big gate. You know, the gate record used to be 17.4 million. Controversies. Alvarez, first time UFC played New York. I don’t know for sure that they’re going to beat that, but they’re expecting to be able to announce 20 million, which is a big deal because Espinoza ran his mouth to Dana one time about 20 million. So now Dana just wants 20 million dollars to stick it… Espinoza said something about, ‘You can’t get 20 million dollars, gains,’ and Dana’s like, ‘I’m getting 20 million dollars.’”

With the countdown already underway for UFC 322, what’s your take on the event? Do you think the top-tier headliner, along with Joe Rogan on commentary, will make this fight card a Madison Square Garden blockbuster? Share your thoughts below.