UFC 322 promises to be an electrifying event, with one of mixed martial arts` most promising talents now confirmed to participate. Following the promotion`s annual October excursion to Abu Dhabi for UFC 321, all attention will shift to the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 15.
The UFC 322 fight card is shaping up to be a thriller, highlighted by two championship clashes. The main event will see Islam Makhachev challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title, preceded by a highly anticipated super fight for the women’s flyweight belt between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili.
The preliminary bouts also boast an array of compelling matchups, notably with the recent addition of a bantamweight sensation holding an unblemished 10-0 record, widely hailed as a future superstar in the sport`s biggest arena.
Malcolm Wellmaker`s Dream of Fighting at UFC 322 Becomes a Reality
Before the title fights commence at UFC 322, a host of top contenders and emerging prospects will step into the octagon. Leon Edwards is scheduled to make his return, and the main card will feature Benoit Saint-Denis against Beneil Dariush.
As if these encounters weren`t enough to guarantee unforgettable moments at the legendary MSG venue, the inclusion of undefeated knockout artist Malcolm Wellmaker (10-0) has further heightened anticipation.
According to Marcel Dorff, the “Dana White’s Contender Series” alumnus is slated for his third professional appearance of 2025 at UFC 322, where he will face Canada’s Serhiy Sidey (12-2).
This news confirms that the promotion has granted the American fighter`s fervent wish expressed after his last victory. Following Wellmaker’s devastating one-punch knockout at UFC Atlanta this past June, “The Machine” publicly staked his claim for a slot on the November 15 lineup in New York City.
“That’s one of the biggest things you could do as a combat sports athlete. Being able to check something like that off the list in my third UFC fight would be incredible. So, I’m shooting for it. My management knows I want it, Sean (Shelby) and them know I want it, and hopefully they can do it for me,” Wellmaker shared his aspirations during a media scrum.
Malcolm Wellmaker Transitions to Full-Time Fighter After Earning a $50,000 UFC Bonus
Wellmaker`s UFC debut in Kansas City last April concluded in under two minutes. This victory not only marked a significant milestone in his MMA career but also profoundly impacted his personal life.
Following his dominant win against Cameron Saaiman, Wellmaker was awarded a $50,000 bonus by Dana White. This financial boost enabled him to leave his welding profession and dedicate himself entirely to mixed martial arts.
“So many people bought into my story so here’s an update,” Wellmaker announced in an Instagram post. “I just quit my job! Saturday night I made my UFC debut, scored a first round knockout and earned a $50k performance bonus. Today I became a full-time fighter.”
He further elaborated on his journey: “In 2015 I joined the pipe fitters union in Augusta, Local 150 as an apprentice. Since then, I’ve worked full-time in the trade while chasing my dream. All my career I swore that if I made it to the UFC and earned a $50k bonus I would quit my job, and today it finally happened.”
