UFC 322: Prospects for Major Matchups in 2026
The UFC 322 event could have set the stage for major fights in 2026, with a card that offered a new welterweight champion, spectacular finishes, and the possible emergence of a new contender in the division.
In the main event, Islam Makhachev, former lightweight champion, defeated Jack Della Maddalena to obtain the welterweight title. Previously, on the card, Michael Morales and Carlos Prates, both 170-pound contenders, achieved impressive KO victories, adding to the list of potential challengers for Makhachev’s new belt.
Furthermore, the women’s flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko, secured possibly the most significant victory of her career, dominating Zhang Weili, former strawweight champion, and earning a unanimous decision victory.
Who should be the next rivals for the UFC 322 champions? We analyze the possible options for the event’s stars.
Islam Makhachev, Welterweight Champion
Possible next opponent: Kamaru Usman
Makhachev has at least five legitimate options for his first title defense. Usman, although he hasn’t been very active recently, was number one in the pound-for-pound rankings in his prime. Makhachev has expressed his desire to fight him, which makes him the best option at welterweight, without considering a possible rise of Ilia Topuria.
Alternative option: Ilia Topuria
Although it’s an attractive fight, it’s not the most appropriate at the moment, as Topuria would move up two weight classes in two appearances. There are many fights for him at lightweight, and after seeing Makhachev compete so well at welterweight, it’s not the most suitable matchup right now.
Valentina Shevchenko, Women’s Flyweight Champion
Possible next opponent: Natalia Silva
Silva, with her dynamic and technical style in stand-up combat, is the obvious contender at 125 pounds. Although she will be the underdog, Shevchenko remains dominant.
Alternative option: Kayla Harrison
Depending on when Harrison fights Nunes, this could be the next fight. Harrison wants it to take place at the White House. Will Shevchenko wait seven months for that, when there’s no guarantee? There are many things that can happen in seven months, including Harrison’s defeat or injury.
Zhang Weili, Women’s Flyweight
Possible next opponent: Alexa Grasso
It is expected that Zhang will not return to strawweight. Moving up and fighting Shevchenko directly in a new weight category was always going to be a challenge. Grasso, a former champion with solid boxing, is a logical option.
Alternative option: Mackenzie Dern
If Zhang returns to strawweight, only a title fight would make sense. Zhang and Dern have never fought. It would be an automatic title opportunity.
Carlos Prates, Welterweight
Possible next rival: Michael Page
Prates is one of the most entertaining UFC fighters at the moment, with two spectacular KOs in the last few months. A fight against Page would be fascinating.
Alternative option: Michael Morales
This fight makes sense after both fighters’ performances on the same night. Although there is a risk of “burning” one of them, seeing this match could be worth it.
Benoît Saint Denis, Lightweight
Possible next opponent: Rafael Fiziev
Saint Denis, after his recent victory, is emerging as a contender. A matchup with Fiziev, two of the most exciting lightweights, seems logical.
Alternative option: Grant Dawson
Dawson, like Saint Denis, was seen as a future title contender. He could seek this fight if he gets attention next month.
Bo Nickal, Middleweight
Possible next opponent: Christian Leroy Duncan
After his spectacular finish over Rodolfo Vieira, how quickly does the UFC want to push Nickal? Ideally, he should take things slowly. Nickal needs time, but he is championship material. The UFC should schedule Nickal against someone in the middle range of the division, like Duncan.
Alternative option: Paulo Costa
If the UFC wants to push Nickal into the top 15, Costa is a fun test. The preparation for that fight would be phenomenal.
Erin Blanchfield, Women’s Flyweight
Possible next opponent: Substitute for the Shevchenko vs. Silva fight
Blanchfield, 26, has plenty of time to fight. She is a number one ranked contender. She should serve as a backup and be promoted as the next title challenger.
Alternative option: Natalia Silva
If Shevchenko waits and ends up fighting Harrison, the UFC could schedule a fight between Silva and Blanchfield.
