UFC 322 Main Card Preview

🧩 If Makhachev Beats Della Maddalena

A Makhachev vs. Topuria superfight would make sense because:

1. Champ-vs-Champ Continuity:
   It would extend the UFC’s modern trend of champion crossovers — from Volkanovski-Makhachev to Pereira-Adesanya, Nunes-Shevchenko, etc. It’s part of the “legacy-building” phase Dana likes to attach to dominant champs.

2. Stylistic Collision of Systems:
   Topuria’s compact boxing-heavy, forward-pressure game versus Makhachev’s pressure-grappling and distance control would be a high-IQ contrast. Both use range discipline, both rely on balance and timing, but through totally different methods — it’s a “pressure mirror match.”

3. Generational Narrative:
   Topuria represents the “new-era, new-media” fighter — charismatic, European crossover appeal. Makhachev represents the old-school lineage — Dagestani system, merit-through-grind. It’s a philosophical duel as much as an athletic one.

4. Cultural Reach:
   You’d have Spain-Georgia-Europe vs. Dagestan-UAE-Middle East fanbases. It becomes a global event even before you look at PPV numbers.

5. Timing & Symbolism:
   UFC would naturally anchor that kind of bout to International Fight Week, the company’s biggest annual stage for legacy bouts (especially now that July cards are branded as “The Superfight Era” events).