UFC 322: Nights of KO and Domination, Epic or Boring? Analysis and Notes

UFC 322: Complete Analysis of an Exciting Night in the Octagon

UFC 322, packed with exciting fights and two title disputes, featured great figures seeking to consolidate their historical legacies. The night in the octagon offered a mix of dominant performances and spectacular finishes. Islam Makhachev and Valentina Shevchenko, in the main and co-main events, demonstrated their superiority, although their fights lacked drama. However, the main card of UFC 322 compensated with three devastating knockouts by Benoît Saint Denis, Carlos Prates, and Michael Morales. Bo Nickal and Erin Blanchfield also shone, proving why they are considered title contenders in the future.

Was it enough to meet the expectations of the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden? Here’s a detailed analysis of each fight.

Analysis of the Combats

Lightweight: Beneil Dariush vs. Benoit Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis needed only 16 seconds to knock out Beneil Dariush.Result: Saint Denis defeats Dariush by KO in the first round. Rating: A The knockout came quickly, almost imperceptible. Saint Denis needed only one punch and 16 seconds to knock Dariush out. After a kick from Dariush, Saint Denis responded with a left hook that sealed the victory. Saint Denis’ losing streak in 2024 was forgotten, the “God of War” has returned.

Welterweight: Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates

Result: Prates defeats Edwards by KO in the second round. Rating: A Prates sought the exchange of blows, while Edwards preferred the grip. After a first round where Edwards dominated with his wrestling, the Brazilian incited Edwards to fight standing up. In the second round, a left hand from Prates knocked Edwards down. Prates became the first fighter to knock out Edwards in his 15-year career, demonstrating his ability for the spectacle.

Welterweight: Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales

Michael Morales, on the right, knocked out Sean Brady in the first round of their welterweight fight at UFC 322 in New York.Result: Morales defeats Brady by TKO in the first round. Grade: A Morales dominated Brady with a violent finish in the first round. He used his size to make it difficult for Brady to get close and then attacked him in the striking range. A combination from Morales left Brady touched, and the Ecuadorian secured another knockout victory for the 26-year-old fighter. This was a one-sided victory that will propel Morales into title contention.

Average Weight: Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Result: Daukaus defeats Meerschaert by submission. Grade: B+ Daukaus dominated Meerschaert, submitting the submission specialist in under a minute. It’s hard to believe Daukaus is the same fighter who was cut from the UFC in 2022. Since his return, he has achieved quick finishes in his fights. The way Daukaus submitted a veteran was impressive.

Peso Pluma: Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Ethyn Ewing

Ethyn Ewing, on the right, won his UFC debut over Malcolm Wellmaker with 48 hours notice.Result: Ewing defeats Wellmaker by unanimous decision. Grade: B Ewing had an excellent performance, surprising Wellmaker. Ewing used his technique, movement, distance control, punch combinations, and grip to neutralize his opponent. This was a great fight, even more impressive given that Ewing accepted the fight with 48 hours’ notice and offered an excellent performance in his debut.

Women’s Flyweight: Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez

Result: Blanchfield defeats Cortez by submission. Grade: B Blanchfield experimented with her striking against Cortez, and then turned to her strong point: her brilliant ground game. She avenged her 2019 defeat to Cortez, reminding everyone why she is championship material. The finish was exceptional, with Blanchfield securing the submission.

Average Weight: Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira

Result: Nickal defeats Vieira by KO in the third round. Rating: B During two and a half rounds, Nickal dominated with his striking. Then, a brutal knee strike from Nickal knocked out Vieira. The ending was worth it.

Women’s Flyweight Championship: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili

Result: Shevchenko defeats Zhang by unanimous decision. Grade: C+ Shevchenko demonstrated her mastery, using her size, distance control, and grip to slow Zhang. Zhang was outmatched by Shevchenko, spending a lot of time on the mat. Shevchenko outstruck her with punches and kicks. Although it lacked excitement, it was a display of Shevchenko’s greatness.

Welterweight Championship: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev

Result: Makhachev defeats Della Maddalena by unanimous decision. Grade: C+ Makhachev dominated Della Maddalena, similar to Shevchenko’s victory. Makhachev, smaller, moved up in weight to win the title. It was a historic performance by the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter.

Average Weight: Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Result: Rodrigues defeats Kopylov by unanimous decision. Grade: C It was a striking battle where Rodrigues stalked Kopylov, achieving his fifth victory in six fights. There was no expected knockout, but it wasn’t an exciting fight either.

Average Weight: Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico

Result: Susurkaev defeats McConico by TKO3. Grade: C Susurkaev was superior, but his relaxed style made the fight seem more even. After some clinch work, Susurkaev finished McConico with a right hand. Although the victory was decisive, the fight was slow.

Women’s Strawweight: Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline

Result: Kline defeats Hill by unanimous decision. Grade: C Kline had his best performance against Hill, mixing takedowns and striking. Hill struggled with Kline’s speed. Kline dominated, which could be a warning for the strawweight division.

Peso Pluma: Pat Sabatini vs. Chepe Mariscal

Pat Sabatini, wearing red gloves, didn’t let the cuts around his left eye stop him from overwhelming Chepe Mariscal.Result: Sabatini defeats Mariscal by unanimous decision. Rating: C- Sabatini showcased his ground game, outmaneuvering Mariscal. It was a solid showing from Sabatini, who could climb the featherweight rankings.

Lightweight: Viacheslav Borshchev vs. Matheus Camilo

Result: Camilo defeats Borshchev by unanimous decision. Grade: D+ Camilo relied on takedowns to win, taking advantage of Borshchev’s lack of defense. It was a discreet fight, and Camilo got his first victory in the UFC.

Conclusion

UFC 322 offered a main card with exciting finishes. Although the championship fights were dominant, the overall event was a success, highlighting the UFC’s return to New York as one of the best of the year.