Can the UFC’s Latest Lineup Match the Hype of Jones vs. Aspinall?

The UFC 322 card is shaping up to be one of the most stacked events in recent memory, with a trio of high-profile fights set to take place at Madison Square Garden on November 15. However, despite the impressive lineup, some fans are left wondering if the card truly lives up to the hype.

At the center of the controversy is the absence of a highly anticipated superfight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, which would have been one of the biggest fights in UFC history. Jones’s decision to retire has left a void in the heavyweight division, and the UFC’s decision to replace it with a trio of high-profile fights has raised questions about the card’s overall appeal.

One of the most intriguing matchups is the co-main event, which pits former strawweight champion Zhang Weili against reigning flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. Zhang, who is vacating her strawweight title to move up to flyweight, is being hailed as a favorite in the fight, thanks to her impressive skills and physicality. Zhang’s decision to move up a weight class has sparked debate among fans, with some questioning whether she is taking on too much of a challenge. However, Zhang’s skills and experience make her a formidable opponent, and it’s unclear who will emerge victorious.

In the main event, former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will attempt to win a second title against defending welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev, who vacated the lightweight title earlier this year, is being touted as the favorite in the fight, thanks to his world-class grappling skills and experience in the octagon. Makhachev’s move to welterweight has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see how he will adapt to the new weight class. However, Della Maddalena’s impressive record and physicality make him a formidable opponent, and this fight is shaping up to be a true 50-50 affair.

The card also features a welterweight matchup between former champion Leon Edwards and surging Brazilian contender Carlos Prates. Edwards, who is looking to break a two-fight losing streak, faces a tough opponent in Prates, who has knocked out 11 of his past 12 opponents. Edwards’s decision to face Prates has raised eyebrows among fans, who are questioning whether he is taking on too much of a challenge. However, Edwards’s experience and skills make him a formidable opponent, and this fight is shaping up to be a closely contested affair.

The UFC 322 card also features a number of other intriguing matchups, including a flyweight bout between former champion Deiveson Figueiredo and rising star Alexandre Pantoja. Figueiredo, who is looking to regain his title, faces a tough opponent in Pantoja, who has been on a tear in recent months. This fight is shaping up to be a closely contested affair, with both fighters having the skills and experience to emerge victorious.

Despite the impressive lineup, the UFC 322 card has been criticized for lacking in superfights. The absence of a high-profile matchup between Jones and Aspinall has left some fans feeling disappointed, and the card has been labeled as a “card of champions” rather than a “card of superfights.” However, the UFC has maintained that the card is one of the most stacked in recent memory, and that fans will be treated to a night of action-packed fights.

Only time will tell if the UFC 322 card can live up to the hype and provide an unforgettable night of action for fans.