UFC 322 Highlights: Makhachev Dominates, Prates Shocks Edwards

UPDATE: Big wins shake up the UFC landscape at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden on July 15, 2023, as Islam Makhachev and Valentina Shevchenko deliver dominant performances, while Carlos Prates scores a shocking knockout against former champion Leon Edwards.

In a night packed with adrenaline and intense competition, Makhachev showcased his prowess once again, now crowned the UFC welterweight champion after a decisive victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev’s strategic wrestling and powerful striking overwhelmed his opponent, marking a significant transition to the 170-pound weight class.

Makhachev highlighted his transformation, stating, “I felt I was about 60 to 70% of myself at lightweight,” but after dominating Della Maddalena, it’s clear he’s now operating at peak performance. His victory included a barrage of kicks that crippled Della Maddalena’s front leg, leading to a swift takedown and control that left fans in awe.

Meanwhile, Shevchenko retained her flyweight title with a masterclass against Zhang Weili. The fight was characterized by Shevchenko’s tactical brilliance, with 13 minutes and 24 seconds of control time. Zhang, who had vacated her strawweight title to take on this challenge, struggled to land significant strikes, managing double digits only in a single round.

“Zhang Weili is someone who falls and gets back up,” she said post-fight, emphasizing her resilient spirit. As Shevchenko showcased her experience and skill, the fight quickly dispelled any notions of a classic clash, reinforcing her position as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

In the welterweight division, Michael Morales made headlines with a stunning first-round TKO of Sean Brady. Morales, now undefeated, has proven he belongs among the elite after a series of impressive finishes, further complicating the title picture. “I want a title shot,” Morales declared, and with a performance like that, it’s hard to argue against him.

Prates, coming off a previous loss, reignited his career with a jaw-dropping knockout of Edwards in the second round. In what was a historic moment, this marked the first knockout loss for Edwards in his 29-fight career, instantly elevating Prates back into title contention.

As the welterweight division heats up, both Morales and Prates have positioned themselves as serious threats to any champion. With the UFC landscape shifting rapidly, fans can expect more fireworks as these fighters rise through the ranks.

Looking ahead, the implications of these fights will resonate throughout the UFC, making the road to the next title fights more thrilling than ever. Viewers are left wondering: Who will emerge as the next contender in this competitive arena? Each fighter has set the stage for an electrifying future in the octagon.