What's Happening?
All 28 fighters for UFC 322 participated in the official weigh-ins in New York, with the main event featuring Jack Della Maddalena defending his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev. Makhachev, who recently moved up from lightweight, aims to secure
the welterweight belt after four successful title defenses in his previous division. The co-main event will see Valentina Shevchenko defend her flyweight championship against Zhang Weili, who is attempting to become a two-division titleholder. While most fighters made weight successfully, Beneil Dariush missed the mark, requiring adjustments before Saturday’s fights.
Why It's Important?
The weigh-ins are crucial as they determine the eligibility of fighters to compete in their respective weight classes. Makhachev's move to welterweight and Shevchenko's defense against a former strawweight champion highlight significant shifts in the UFC landscape. Successful weigh-ins ensure that the fights proceed as planned, maintaining the integrity of the competition and the fighters' health. Dariush's weight miss and subsequent penalty underscore the strict regulations governing fighter weight management.
What's Next?
The fighters will proceed to their scheduled matches, with the main card airing on ESPN+ PPV. Dariush's fight will occur at a catchweight, with a portion of his earnings forfeited due to the weight miss. Fans and analysts will closely watch Makhachev's performance in a new weight class and Shevchenko's attempt to fend off a formidable challenger.
