The Colosseum of Modern Combat
For those curious about the raw intensity of ancient gladiatorial combat, nothing comes closer than sitting cageside at a Ultimate Fighting Championship event. This was the reality for journalists at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, November 16, 2025, where the air crackled with anticipation for UFC 322.
From a front-row media bench, every detail was magnified. The thunderous impact of kicks and punches echoed through the iconic arena, and the sound of bodies hitting the mat was unmistakably clear. Every fighter, whether victorious or defeated, passed by mere metres away, their bodies glistening with sweat and, often, marked with the blood and cuts of battle.
A Star-Studded Night at The World's Most Famous Arena
Billed as the promotion's best card of the year, UFC 322 was headlined by a historic figure for Australian sports: Jack Della Maddalena, Western Australia's first-ever UFC champion. For five days leading up to the fight, the energy in 'The Big Apple' was palpable. The main event combatants, Della Maddalena and his opponent Islam Makhachev, were featured prominently on massive screens in Times Square, while devoted fans gathered outside the athletes' hotel, hoping for a glimpse or an autograph.
However, the atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden on fight night was unparalleled. The MMA world had stopped to witness the welterweight championship decider. The venue was packed with celebrity power, including American actor Josh Hutcherson, rappers Action Bronson and Ice-T, and comedian Andrew Schulz. The sporting world was also represented, with Port Adelaide's Sam Powell-Pepper in attendance.
West Australian entrepreneur Daniel Bradshaw, a close friend of Della Maddalena, enjoyed a front-row seat with his wife, Olympic pole vaulter Liz Parnov. The event also drew a who's who of UFC legends, including current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, Chito Vera, former featherweight king Jose Aldo, and Hall of Famers George St-Pierre and Robbie Lawler.
The Main Event: A Clash of Titans
The sold-out crowd roared with excitement from the first preliminary bout, but they reserved their highest energy for the main event, which began after midnight local time. While Makhachev was clearly the crowd favourite, there was significant support for the Australian contender.
Jack Della Maddalena made his walk to the octagon to the blaring sounds of AC/DC's 'TNT', a moment of immense pride for his home state, with his wife Michelle and family watching anxiously from the front row.
Unfortunately for the West Australian champion, the night did not conclude with his hand raised. Islam Makhachev executed a masterful game plan, utilising his renowned Dagestani wrestling to control the fight. He consistently took Della Maddalena to the ground across the five rounds, ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory to claim the welterweight title.
Despite the loss for Australia's hope, the night at Madison Square Garden remained a spectacular showcase of mixed martial arts, a modern spectacle that truly captured the visceral intensity of a historic battleground.
