STARZPLAY is opening this weekend’s UFC 322 coverage with free access to the early fights, giving viewers across the UAE and the wider MENA region a chance to watch the first bouts without a subscription. The service will stream both the Early Prelims and the Prelims at no cost before switching to a subscriber-only Main Card later in the morning. It’s a strategic approach that mirrors how streaming platforms increasingly balance accessibility with premium offerings, especially for major live sports events.
UFC 322 takes place at Madison Square Garden, a venue long associated with marquee combat sports nights, and the card reflects that ambition. The headline bout features Islam Makhachev moving up to welterweight to challenge the division’s champion, Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev’s shift in weight class is notable not only because he has already proven effective at lightweight, but because the matchup pits two fighters with sharply contrasting strengths: Makhachev’s methodical grappling versus Della Maddalena’s striking-heavy style. Regardless of outcome, the fight will likely influence future discussions about cross-division movement and how champions approach legacy-building.
The co-main event places Valentina Shevchenko against Zhang Weili, adding another champion-versus-champion matchup to a card already built on high-stakes pairings. Shevchenko’s measured, tactical approach has defined much of her career, while Zhang has been at her best when she is dictating pace and applying pressure. The bout reflects an ongoing trend in UFC matchmaking, where established titleholders are measured against opponents from adjacent divisions to test the depth of their dominance.
Other fights on the Main Card continue the emphasis on competitive matchups rather than simple name recognition. Sean Brady faces Michael Morales, and Leon Edwards meets Carlos Prates, offering a mix of developing contenders and established fighters attempting to hold their ground. For viewers interested in the broader implications of each division, the card provides a clearer snapshot of potential future title challengers and shifting rankings.
The event begins early for regional audiences, with free Early Prelims starting at 3:00 AM GST and Prelims following at 4:30 AM GST. The Main Card, available exclusively to STARZPLAY subscribers, starts at 7:00 AM GST. As platforms compete for regional sports rights, STARZPLAY’s approach underscores how live combat sports remain a significant draw for subscription services, especially when free portions of the broadcast help pull in new viewers before the night’s main attractions.
