UFC 322 may have paved the way for several major matchups in 2026. The event delivered a new welterweight champion, a string of highlight-reel finishes and, quite possibly, a fresh contender emerging at 170 pounds.
In the main event, former lightweight king Islam Makhachev made quick work of Jack Della Maddalena to capture the welterweight belt. Earlier on the card, fellow welterweights Michael Morales and Carlos Prates scored eye-catching knockout victories, putting themselves firmly in the conversation for a shot at Makhachev’s newly claimed title.
Between those moments, women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko turned in one of the most dominant performances of her career, outclassing former strawweight queen Zhang Weili to win by unanimous decision.
So who deserves the first crack at the new welterweight champ? And what possibilities lie ahead for Shevchenko and Zhang? Here’s a look at how UFC 322’s biggest names could be matched up next.
Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion
There are at least five strong candidates for Makhachev’s first title defense, and the truth is, any one of them would make for a compelling matchup. Khabib Nurmagomedov may prefer that Makhachev stay out of the cage for a few more years, but the rest of the MMA world isn’t likely to agree. With the options he has, Makhachev could stay busy all the way through 2028.
For me, Kamaru Usman stands out as the top choice. It’s not a flawless pick—Usman hasn’t been especially active lately—but at his peak, he was the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He also proved he still has plenty left by beating Joaquin Buckley in a fight many expected him to lose earlier this year. Makhachev has openly said he wants that matchup, and among the current welterweights, it’s the most intriguing option unless Ilia Topuria decides to move up. Choosing Usman doesn’t block any clear, deserving contender, and his résumé and longevity make him more than worthy of the shot.