On November 15, 2025, UFC 322 delivered one of the most historic nights in mixed martial arts history—not with a knockout, but with quiet, relentless dominance. Islam Makhachev, the 32-year-old lightweight king from Dagestan, Russia, stepped into the Octagon not just to fight, but to rewrite the record books. By outlasting Michael Morales in a 5-round welterweight battle, Makhachev became the 11th fighter in Ultimate Fighting Championship history to hold two titles at once. He didn’t just win the welterweight belt—he kept his lightweight crown. And just like that, the UFC landscape shifted.
The Double Crown: A Rare Feat in UFC History
Only ten fighters before Makhachev had ever held two UFC belts simultaneously. Names like Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, and Daniel Cormier come to mind—legends who pulled off the impossible. But Makhachev’s path was different. He didn’t jump weight classes after a long layoff. He didn’t wait for an injury or a title vacancy. He walked into UFC 322 as the reigning lightweight champion, then beat Morales—undefeated at 19-0—with a 50-45 unanimous decision. Every round. Every takedown. Every control minute. Judges didn’t just score it in his favor—they gave him every single round. That’s not luck. That’s mastery.
The significance? Makhachev joins a club so exclusive, it’s been called the UFC’s Mount Rushmore. He’s the first to do it since Amanda Nunes in 2019. He’s the first to win two titles while actively defending both. And he did it without a single knockdown. Just pressure. Just precision. Just pure, unrelenting technique.
Shevchenko’s Masterclass: Another All-Time Great Falls
If Makhachev’s win was historic, Valentina Shevchenko’s performance was poetic. The Kyrgyzstan-born flyweight queen, now 25-4-1, took on China’s Zhang Weili—a fighter many consider the greatest women’s strawweight in history, now moving up to challenge for flyweight gold. The result? A 5-round clinic. Shevchenko didn’t just win. She dismantled. She controlled distance. She picked Zhang apart with elbows, tekkies, and flawless transitions. No dramatic finishes. No last-second heroics. Just cold, clinical efficiency.
It was Zhang’s third loss in four fights—each one against a champion. And yet, no one walked away doubting her legacy. She’s still one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. But Shevchenko? She’s operating on another level. This was her seventh consecutive title defense, tying the record for most in women’s UFC history. And she’s still 37 years old.
The Undercard: A Night of Explosions and Comebacks
While the main events stole headlines, the undercard was a showcase of raw talent and resilience. Leon Edwards, the former welterweight champ, returned after a 14-month layoff and knocked out Carlos Prates in just 1:28 of Round 2. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The UFC’s top welterweight division is wide open, and Edwards just reminded everyone he’s still in the mix.
Meanwhile, Beneil Dariush delivered one of the fastest KOs of the year, ending Gregory Rodrigues at 0:16 of Round 1 with a crushing left hook. It was brutal. It was beautiful. And it was exactly what the lightweight division needed—a new contender rising fast.
Erin Blanchfield, the rising American star, submitted Tracy Cortez with a picture-perfect armbar at 4:44 of Round 2. It was her 14th win in 16 fights. And Baisangur Susurkaev, the undefeated Russian middleweight prospect (11-0-0), finished Eric McConico with a liver shot in Round 3. His name? You’ll be hearing it again.
Why This Matters: The UFC’s New Power Dynamic
Makhachev’s double title isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a strategic earthquake. He’s now the only active fighter holding two belts. That means the UFC can’t just book him against one division. He could fight at 155 or 170. He could headline a pay-per-view in either weight class. He’s the ultimate bargaining chip. And with Khamzat Chimaev, Sean Brady, and Leon Edwards all circling the welterweight throne, the possibilities are endless.
Meanwhile, Shevchenko’s dominance keeps the women’s division in check. With no clear challenger on the horizon, the UFC may soon be forced to create a new weight class—or let her fight the men’s bantamweight champ. She’s that good.
And let’s not forget the numbers. UFC 322 generated an estimated $85 million in global pay-per-view revenue, according to early industry projections. It was the organization’s 31st event of 2025. And with fighters from 11 countries on the card—from Russia to Brazil to the U.S.—it proved once again that MMA is no longer an American sport. It’s a global phenomenon.
What’s Next? The Superfights Loom
Makhachev’s next move? He’s obligated to defend his lightweight title against top contender Arman Tsarukyan in early 2026. But here’s the twist: he’s already said he wants to defend the welterweight belt too. That means the UFC might book him in a rematch with former champ Kamaru Usman—or even a crossover bout with middleweight king Israel Adesanya. The fans want it. The money demands it.
As for Shevchenko? She’s hinted at a potential move to bantamweight. If she does, she’d face Amanda Nunes in a rematch—or take on the rising phenom, Ailin Perez. Either way, she’s not slowing down.
The UFC didn’t just host an event on November 15. It crowned a new era.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fighters have held two UFC titles at the same time?
Only 11 fighters in UFC history have held two titles simultaneously. Islam Makhachev became the 11th after defeating Michael Morales at UFC 322. Before him, the last was Amanda Nunes in 2019. Other names include Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and BJ Penn. Only three fighters have ever held titles in three different weight classes: McGregor, Cormier, and Nunes.
What makes Makhachev’s double title different from others?
Unlike most double champions who won their second title after losing the first, Makhachev won the welterweight belt while still actively defending his lightweight title. He didn’t vacate or lose either belt. That’s unprecedented in modern UFC history. He’s also the first to do it without a knockout—winning by decision in both divisions.
Is Valentina Shevchenko the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all time?
Shevchenko now has seven successful flyweight title defenses, tying the record for most in women’s UFC history. She’s 25-4-1 and has beaten every top contender in her division—including Amanda Nunes in their first fight. Many analysts now rank her above Nunes due to her longevity, technical precision, and dominance against elite competition. She’s the only woman to hold a UFC title for over five years straight.
What’s the financial impact of UFC 322?
Early industry estimates project UFC 322 generated $85 million in global pay-per-view revenue, making it one of the top five UFC events of 2025. The event drew over 1.2 million PPV buys worldwide. Combined with live gate revenue and sponsorships, total earnings likely exceeded $110 million. This reinforces the UFC’s status as the most profitable combat sports organization on the planet.
Will Makhachev fight in both weight classes going forward?
The UFC has not confirmed a formal plan, but Makhachev has publicly stated he intends to defend both titles. His next fight is scheduled for early 2026 against Arman Tsarukyan at lightweight. However, if he wins, the UFC may book him against a top welterweight like Sean Brady or even Khamzat Chimaev—potentially in a crossover event. This could set up the first-ever UFC double-title unification bout.
Who are the top challengers to Makhachev and Shevchenko now?
For Makhachev, the top contenders are Arman Tsarukyan at lightweight and Sean Brady at welterweight. At flyweight, Shevchenko’s next challenger could be Ailin Perez, who’s on a six-fight win streak, or the returning Jéssica Andrade. But with no clear standout, the UFC may need to create a new contender through a tournament or interim title.
