This Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, we’re in for a stacked card. The main event sees welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena defending his belt against former lightweight king Islam Makhachev — yes, heavyweight stakes for the lighter guys. Meanwhile, the co-main features women’s flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko defending against the always dangerous Zhang Weili. Underneath those, the undercard is full of contenders and revenge stories.
It’s one of the deepest cards of the year.
Fight-by-Fight Picks & Why
Main Card (PPV)
- Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev (Welterweight Title)
Why it matters: Makhachev vacated his lightweight belt and moved up to welterweight to challenge JDM. Della Maddalena is undefeated in the UFC, strong on his feet, but Makhachev’s grappling and control are elite.
Pick: I’m leaning Makhachev by decision or late submission. If he sticks to his game plan and takes it to the ground, he’s got the edge. But Della Maddalena’s striking and home-field momentum make it interesting. - Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili (Women’s Flyweight Title)
Why it matters: Two of the sport’s best clash — Shevchenko’s experience vs. Zhang’s explosive power and momentum. This is a classic fight.
Pick: I’m picking Shevchenko by decision. I trust her composure and experience in big moments to edge it out. - Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales (Welterweight)
Why it matters: Title-shot implications. Brady is elite on the ground; Morales is a dangerous striker. Winner could be next in line for gold.
Pick: I give it to Morales by knockout. I think his striking will find its mark before Brady can take over. - Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
Why it matters: Edwards needs a bounce-back. Prates is on fire and dangerous. A major crossroads fight.
Pick: I’ll go Prates by decision. I believe he keeps up momentum and edges out the veteran. - Beneil Dariush vs. Benoît Saint-Denis (Lightweight)
Why it matters: Two tricky, high-skill fighters. Could steal the show.
Pick: I’m leaning Dariush by decision. He’s more rounded and seasoned.
Preliminary Card
- Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira (Middleweight)
Pick: Nickal by decision. His wrestling base gives him control. - Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues (Middleweight)
Pick: Rodrigues by knockout. His forward pressure wins this one. - Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez (Women’s Flyweight)
Pick: Blanchfield by submission. Her ground game looks solid. - Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Cody Haddon (Bantamweight)
Pick: Haddon by decision. He takes the opportunity. - Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight)
Pick: Daukaus by submission. His grappling gives him the advantage. - Pat Sabatini vs. Chepe Mariscal (Featherweight)
Pick: Sabatini by decision. He’s more technical and efficient. - Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline (Women’s Strawweight)
Pick: Hill by decision. Experience and volume striking make the difference. - Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico (Middleweight)
Pick: Susurkaev by knockout. Undefeated and carrying serious momentum.
Final Thoughts
This card has everything — title fights, major moves between divisions, redemption matches, and rising stars. If you’re tuning in, keep an eye on how styles clash (striking vs. grappling), how each fighter handles pressure, and which undercard name might steal the spotlight before the main event.
If you end up watching, focus on one thing: who handles the moment best. When the lights are bright and expectations heavy, that’s when stars are made.
