UFC 322: Islam Makhachev fights for two weight champion status

Seen by many fans as the best current UFC fighter, Islam Makhachev makes the step up to 170 pounds as he takes on Jack Della Maddalena in the main event at UFC 322.

After four defences of his lightweight title, the Dagastan fighter makes the jump in weight in an attempt to become a division champion.

Having not lost a fight in a decade, the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov has gone from strength to strength, and will not be phased at fighting in a new weight class.

One of the best wrestlers the sport has seen, Makhachev's confidence in his striking has continued to grow, and he will not be afraid to stand and box with Della Maddalena.

[caption id="attachment_1829736" align="alignnone" width="911"]

However, as Belal Muhammed figured out, that may not be the best idea. A replacement fighter for the bout, Della Maddalena became the champion with a decision victory at earlier this year.

One of the best boxers in the division, his striking is what made him champion. He will likely not face a tougher wrestling test in his career on Saturday.

If they can stop the takedowns of Makhachev and keep the fight standing with his boxing on the outside, he will have a path, albeit small, to victory.

In the co-main event at UFC 322, two of the most successful and talented women MMA has seen will compete in a super fight as Valentina Shevchenko defends her flyweight title against Zhang Weili.

With the exception of the Alexa Grasso fight, Shevchenko has dominated the flyweight division.

Her kickboxing, mixed in with her grappling and power, has put her in a league of her own at times. It may not be until she retires that fans appreciate her achievements in the sport.

[caption id="attachment_1829738" align="alignnone" width="911"]

Aside from