TLDR
- Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev engaged in a tense staredown at the UFC 322 press conference at Madison Square Garden, with Dana White having to step between them
- Della Maddalena will make his first welterweight title defense after winning the belt by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May
- Makhachev gave up his lightweight title to move to welterweight and aims to become the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two divisions
- The Australian champion is undefeated in the UFC with an 18-fight win streak overall in his career
- Makhachev held the lightweight championship with four successful title defenses before moving up in weight
The UFC 322 main event fighters created tension at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference at Madison Square Garden. Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev faced off after the media event concluded.
The two fighters came nose-to-nose but avoided any physical contact. Dana White instructed them to turn for photos as he moved aside.
Della Maddalena and Makhachev refused to break eye contact. White quickly stepped back between them to prevent any physical confrontation.
The staredown continued even after both fighters received title belts. Makhachev technically no longer holds championship status after giving up his lightweight belt to compete at welterweight.
Della Maddalena kept his focus locked on the Russian fighter throughout the exchange. The Australian showed no signs of backing down first.
Tensions rise in the main event face-off 👀🔥#UFC322
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) November 13, 2025
Chants of “Islam, Islam, Islam” filled the Hulu Theater at MSG during the faceoff. The venue was packed with fans eager to see the matchup.
Both fighters briefly separated before nodding at each other. They appeared ready to come together again before White intervened once more.
First Title Defense for Australian Champion
Della Maddalena captured the welterweight championship in May at UFC 315. He defeated Belal Muhammad to claim the title.
The Australian has never lost in the UFC. His current win streak stands at 18 fights across his entire career.
Saturday’s fight marks his first title defense. He faces one of the most accomplished fighters on the roster.
Former Lightweight Champion Moves Up
Makhachev ruled the lightweight division with four successful title defenses. He gave up the belt to pursue a second championship at welterweight.
Only ten fighters in UFC history have won titles in two different weight classes. Makhachev hopes to become the eleventh on Saturday night.
Loved Makhachev's energy at the UFC 322 presser and face-offs just now. Islam looked happy, confident and relaxed. Jack Della Maddalena looked good too, a bit tense but composed and focused. Both held their own in the face off. pic.twitter.com/Ko9gyg8l6q
— PAM (@ParamPam1990) November 13, 2025
He told CBS Sports the fight represents the biggest of his career. Makhachev said he expects a high-level contest with much at stake.
The Russian fighter mentioned legacy, rankings, and the belt as motivations. He expressed excitement about the opportunity ahead.
The co-main event features Carlos Prates facing Leon Edwards. That faceoff also produced heated moments before the main event staredown.
Both Della Maddalena and Makhachev have shown respect during the fight buildup. The press conference remained cordial with verbal exchanges between fighters.
