UFC 322: What’s next for Makhachev, Shevchenko and the stars?

UFC 322: A New Chapter in the Octagon

UFC 322 could have set the stage for big fights in 2026, with a card that offered fans a new welterweight champion, spectacular finishes, and, perhaps, a new top contender in the division. In the main event, Islam Makhachev, former lightweight champion, defeated Jack Della Maddalena to claim the welterweight title. Previously, Michael Morales and Carlos Prates, both 170-pound contenders, achieved impressive KO victories, positioning themselves as potential challengers for Makhachev’s new belt. In addition, Valentina Shevchenko, women’s flyweight champion, achieved possibly the most important victory of her career, dominating former strawweight champion Zhang Weili and winning by unanimous decision.

What’s next for the UFC 322 stars?

Who should be the first opponent of the welterweight champion? What options do Shevchenko and Zhang have? We analyze the next steps for the key figures of UFC 322.

Islam Makhachev, Welterweight Champion

Possible next opponent: Kamaru UsmanMakhachev has at least five legitimate options for his first title defense. Usman, although he hasn’t been very active recently, was number one pound-for-pound in his prime. He defeated Joaquin Buckley earlier this year, and Makhachev has expressed his desire to fight him. He is the best option at welterweight, if a possible weight class jump from Ilia Topuria is not considered.Alternative option: Ilia TopuriaAlthough attractive to fans, a fight between the current featherweight champion and the lightweight champion in two different weight divisions is not the most appropriate at this time. Topuria is smaller and there are many fights for him at lightweight. Although this “superfight” could eventually happen, it is not the most indicated at this time.

Valentina Shevchenko, Women’s Flyweight Champion

Possible next opponent: Natalia SilvaSilva, with her active and complicated style in the stand-up game, is the next contender. She will be the underdog, but everyone is in flyweight.Alternative option: Kayla Harrison

Depending on when Harrison fights Amanda Nunes, this fight could be next. Harrison wants it to take place at the White House. Will Shevchenko wait seven months for that, when there is no guarantee? There is a lot that can happen in seven months, including Harrison losing or getting injured, or not being able to make weight twice in a relatively short time. On the other hand, it could fit perfectly if Harrison wins and Shevchenko’s schedule aligns.

Zhang Weili, Women’s Flyweight

Possible next opponent: Alexa GrassoAfter learning a lot in her first flyweight fight, Zhang could have a much stronger performance. If she stays, Grasso, a former champion with good boxing, makes sense.Alternative Option: Mackenzie DernIf Zhang returns to strawweight, nothing but a title fight would make sense. Zhang and Dern have never fought. It’s not a bad option, considering it’s an automatic title opportunity, which doesn’t exist for Zhang now at flyweight.

Carlos Prates, Welterweight

Possible next opponent: Michael PagePrates is one of the most entertaining UFC fighters at the moment, with two spectacular knockouts in the last few months. A match against Page would be exciting.Alternative option: Michael MoralesThis fight makes sense after both fighters’ consecutive victories. Although there is a risk of “burning” one of them, the match would be very attractive.

Benoît Saint Denis, Lightweight

Possible next opponent: Rafael FizievSaint Denis is back on the right track after defeating Beneil Dariush. A showdown with Fiziev seems logical, as both are very exciting.Alternative option: Grant DawsonDawson could look for a fight with Saint Denis, as the top of the division is somewhat busy.

Bo Nickal, Middleweight

Possible next opponent: Christian Leroy DuncanAfter his victory over Rodolfo Vieira, how quickly does the UFC want to push Nickal? Duncan, with an exciting style, could be a good rival.Alternative option: Paulo CostaCosta is always a fun test. The anticipation of that fight would be phenomenal.

Erin Blanchfield, Women’s Flyweight

Possible next opponent: Substitute for the Shevchenko vs. Silva fightBlanchfield, with plenty of time ahead, could be the substitute in the flyweight title fight. She should prepare and be promoted as the next challenger.Alternative option: Natalia SilvaIf Shevchenko were to wait and fight Kayla Harrison, the UFC could match Silva and Blanchfield in a fight to determine the number one contender.