Sun Nov 16 03:00:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Bisping Predicts Makhachev Will Seize Double-Champ Status at UFC 322
NEW YORK – Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has shifted his prediction and is now backing Islam Makhachev to defeat welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 this Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Makhachev, a former lightweight titleholder, is attempting to join the ranks of UFC’s double-champions.
Bisping, who initially saw the fight as a 50-50 contest and even leaned towards Della Maddalena, now believes Makhachev’s upbringing and championship pedigree will be the deciding factor. “Islam Makhachev has been bred for this moment,” Bisping stated on his YouTube channel, highlighting the influence of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Eagle MMA, and the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. “There’s something different about him, about his team…the kind of fighting spirit these men have.”
While acknowledging Della Maddalena’s skills and strength, Bisping believes the pressure of the superfight, especially with this being Della Maddalena’s first title defense, will be too much. “This is a superfight, and the magnitude of the event will play a factor,” he said.
Given Makhachev’s impressive finishing record (eight finishes in his last nine fights), Bisping envisions a late-fight submission victory for the challenger. “I think he finds a submission toward the end of the fight because that is what he does.”
The highly anticipated clash will headline UFC 322, airing on pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+/FX, and ESPN+.
First Piper 