Makhachev's Dominance and Other UFC 322 Highlights

Islam Makhachev proved once again why he is considered one of the best fighters in the world. He defeated Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 322, becoming the undisputed king of the welterweight division. Makhachev's victory was a shutout, with all three judges scoring it 50-45 in his favor. He now holds the record for the most consecutive wins in UFC history, tying Anderson Silva's mark of 16. Valentina Shevchenko also put on a dominant performance against Zhang Weili. Shevchenko, who is considered one of the best female fighters of all time, completely shut out Weili, winning by a score of 50-45 on all three judges' scorecards. Shevchenko's victory was a statement that she is still the top female fighter in the world. Michael Morales made a name for himself by defeating Sean Brady in the first round. Morales, who is only 25 years old, showed that he is a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. He landed a long right hand that sent Brady sprawling, prompting a stoppage at 3:27 of Round 1. Morales is now unbeaten as a pro and is considered a contender for the welterweight title. Carlos Prates also made a statement by defeating Leon Edwards. Prates, who is considered a rising star in the welterweight division, landed a long left hand that sent Edwards to his back. Prates is now in line for a title shot, given that Edwards entered the cage ranked fourth in the weight class to his ninth. Benoît Saint-Denis made a quick work of Beneil Dariush, knocking him out in just 16 seconds. Saint-Denis, who is a respected veteran of the French military, rose from a hard kick to his right leg and tied Dariush into a brief clinch before landing the decisive left hand. Saint-Denis is now on a three-fight winning streak and is considered a contender for the lightweight title. Bo Nickal made a comeback by defeating Rodolfo Vieira in the third round. Nickal, who is considered a top prospect in the middleweight division, landed a stunning head kick that rendered Vieira unconscious. Nickal is now back on track and is considered a contender for the middleweight title. Gregory Rodrigues and Roman Kopylov put on a mostly active but occasionally tedious battle from distance. Rodrigues deservedly won by unanimous decision, landing 90 significant strikes to Kopylov's 52. Rodrigues is now on a two-fight winning streak and is considered a contender in the middleweight division. Erin Blanchfield reminded everyone why she is considered one of the top prospects in the flyweight division. She defeated Tracy Cortez by submission in the second round, avenging a past loss. Blanchfield is now on a two-fight winning streak and is considered a contender for the flyweight title. Ethyn Ewing made a name for himself by defeating Malcolm Wellmaker on short notice. Ewing, who is only 27 years old, showed excellent technique and world-class resilience. He is now considered a hot commodity in the bantamweight division. Kyle Daukaus made a statement by defeating Gerald Meerschaert in the first round. Daukaus, who is considered a top prospect in the middleweight division, vaporized Meerschaert with a left-hand punch before submitting him with a d'arce choke. Daukaus is now on a two-fight winning streak and is considered a contender for the middleweight title. Fatima Kline made a statement by defeating Angela Hill. Kline, who is only 25 years old, showed that she is a force to be reckoned with in the strawweight division. She is now on a three-fight winning streak and is considered a contender for the strawweight title. Baisangur Susurkaev made a name for himself by defeating Eric McConico in the third round. Susurkaev, who is only 27 years old, showed that he is a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division. He is now on a three-fight winning streak and is considered a contender for the lightweight title. Matheus Camilo made a statement by defeating Viacheslav Borshchev. Camilo, who is only 24 years old, showed that he is a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. He is now on a one-fight winning streak and is considered a prospect in the middleweight division.