Dana White separates Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev after refusing to break eye contact during tense UFC 322 faceoff
Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev meet in the UFC 322 main event on Saturday
Damon Martin is a veteran journalist and insider covering combat sports since 2003.
A respectful rivalry between welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev still required Dana White to keep a close eye on things after the fighters competing in the UFC 322 main event refused to break eye contact during a tense faceoff on Thursday.
As the main event fighters took the stage after the pre-fight press conference at Madison Square Garden, Della Maddalena and Makhachev came nose-to-nose but there was no pushing or shoving.
Things got interesting when White told the fighters to face forward for a photo opportunity as he stepped out of the way.
But Della Maddalena and Makhachev just kept staring each other down without either one willing to look away, which required White to quickly jump back in between them to make sure there was no physical altercation.
Even when both fighters were handed title belts — technically Makhachev isn’t a champion any longer after relinquishing his lightweight title to move to welterweight — Della Maddalena just kept staring down the Russian with lasers in his eyes.
The fighters finally broke apart before turning to leave the stage following the tense staredown.
The fight serves as Della Maddalena’s first title defense after defeating Belal Muhammad to become champion back in May. The Australian slugger is undefeated in the UFC with an 18 fight win streak overall in his career.
As for Makhachev, he remains one of the most decorated fighters on the entire UFC roster after reigning over the lightweight division with four title defenses while he was champion. Now he takes a stab at welterweight with hopes of becoming just the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two different divisions.
The 2025 Kia Sportage: A Smart Investment for the Real World, Not Just the Racetrack
In the ever-accelerating landscape of 2025, where automotive innovation seems to outpace the seasons, the compact SUV segment remains a crucible of competition. Every manufacturer is vying for supremacy, bombarding consumers with promises of groundbreaking technology, electrifying performance, and avant-garde design. Amidst this clamor, the 2025 Kia Sportage makes its refreshed appearance – not with a revolutionary bang, but with a confident, measured stride. Having spent over a decade dissecting the nuances of the automotive market and putting countless vehicles through their paces, my assessment of the updated Sportage is clear: it’s a brilliant choice for the everyday driver, a paragon of practicality and value for money, even if it doesn’t always steal the spotlight on the grandest automotive stages.
The Sportage, in its latest iteration, exemplifies a vehicle designed with the buyer at its absolute core. It’s built for the commutes, the school runs, the weekend errands, and the occasional road trip – the fundamental pillars of American daily life. While other contenders in the burgeoning compact SUV 2025 arena might push the envelope with radical concepts or dizzying performance figures, the Sportage quietly excels where it truly matters: fuel efficiency, paramount safety, intuitive technology, and an unwavering commitment to utility. This isn’t a vehicle chasing fleeting trends; it’s a testament to solid engineering and thoughtful consumer-centric design.
However, in a marketplace that constantly demands “new” and “next-level,” the Sportage’s carefully orchestrated, subtle refresh might not generate the same thunderous applause as some of its more audaciously redesigned rivals. While the updates are meaningful and certainly enhance the overall package, they don’t fundamentally re-engineer its identity. This doesn’t detract from its inherent quality, but it does position the 2025 Sportage as a practical hero rather than a segment-defining icon. For the discerning buyer, this distinction is crucial – and often, the practical hero is precisely what’s needed.
Design & Aesthetic Evolution: A Refined Identity
When the current generation of the Kia Sportage first debuted a couple of years ago, it arrived with a design language that was, frankly, polarizing. Its bold, almost futuristic front fascia and distinctive lighting signature certainly turned heads and sparked conversation. It was a clear departure from the more conservative lines that often define the compact crossover segment. In 2025, with this refresh, Kia seems to have taken a slightly more conventional, yet undeniably sophisticated, approach. The initial audacity has been tempered, refined into something that maintains its unique character while appealing to a broader audience.
From an expert’s perspective, the exterior updates for 2025 are less about a radical overhaul and more about judicious enhancement. Minor tweaks to the grille, revised lighting elements, and new wheel designs contribute to a more polished, contemporary look. It still stands out, but perhaps less like a concept car and more like a well-executed production vehicle. In a market saturated with look-alike SUVs, maintaining a distinctive identity without alienating traditional buyers is a delicate balancing act, and Kia has largely succeeded. This evolution ensures the 2025 Kia Sportage design remains fresh and competitive against its contemporaries.
Stepping inside, the cabin mirrors this thoughtful evolution. The interior was already a strong point, lauded for its upscale feel and intelligent layout. For 2025, the centerpiece is often the updated infotainment system, now typically housed in a larger, crisper touchscreen display that seamlessly integrates with the digital gauge cluster. This isn’t just about size; it’s about the enhanced responsiveness and a more intuitive, modern operating system that keeps pace with the best in class. Connectivity features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard fare, crucial for the modern driver. However, in an industry increasingly focused on creating truly immersive and visually striking digital cockpits, the surrounding dashboard architecture, while perfectly functional and well-assembled, has become somewhat muted compared to the initial launch. The original’s more playful lines and textures have given way to a cleaner, more streamlined, but arguably less visually engaging aesthetic. It’s a design choice that prioritizes clarity over flair, a compromise that might not wow automotive design trend enthusiasts but certainly satisfies the everyday user.
Cabin Comfort & Practicality: A Real-World Haven
One area where the Kia Sportage consistently punches above its weight, and continues to do so in 2025, is in its cabin comfort and sheer practicality. This is where the vehicle truly shines for its target audience: families, commuters, and anyone prioritizing livability over raw performance metrics. My experience with hundreds of vehicles across various segments has taught me that the small, thoughtful details often make the biggest difference in daily use, and the Sportage excels at these.
The quality of materials throughout the cabin remains impressively high for its class. Soft-touch surfaces are prevalent where your hands naturally fall, and the fit and finish are commendable, minimizing rattles and squeaks even over rough pavement. The seating, both front and rear, offers excellent support and comfort, making long journeys less fatiguing. Rear passenger room is particularly generous for a compact SUV, easily accommodating adults without feeling cramped, a critical factor for families or those who frequently carpool.
But it’s the intelligent storage solutions that truly elevate the Sportage’s interior. The center console is a masterclass in utility, boasting ample storage compartments, cleverly integrated USB ports (including USB-C for faster charging, an essential update for 2025), and those incredibly useful hideaway cup holders. These aren’t just aesthetic tricks; they demonstrate a deep understanding of how people actually use their vehicles. They offer flexibility, allowing drivers to reconfigure the space for larger items or to keep drinks securely stowed. Another brilliant, often overlooked detail that I always appreciate, particularly from an ergonomic standpoint, is the secondary grab handle located further forward on the front door panels. This simple addition makes closing the door significantly easier for shorter individuals, demonstrating Kia’s attention to inclusive design. These small, practical touches collectively create a best family SUV storage experience that rivals vehicles in higher price brackets.
However, no vehicle is without its quirks, and the Sportage, despite its many virtues, carries forward one persistent annoyance that continues to baffle me and many other industry experts: the dual-function climate and media control panel. In an era where intuitive user interfaces are paramount, forcing drivers to toggle between climate controls and media shortcuts on the same row of haptic buttons is, frankly, a bewildering choice. It adds an unnecessary layer of complexity and distraction, requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road for too long to perform simple tasks like adjusting fan speed or changing radio stations. Many competitors have moved towards physical buttons or more logically segregated touch zones for these critical functions. This particular design choice feels like a step backward in user-friendly infotainment and remains a significant ergonomic misstep in an otherwise thoughtfully designed interior. For 2025, I had hoped to see this addressed, as it truly impacts the vehicle’s otherwise excellent interior comfort SUV scores.
Powertrains & Efficiency: A Mixed Bag of Modern Options
In the 2025 automotive market, powertrain diversity and efficiency are not just desirable traits; they are absolute necessities. Consumers are increasingly sophisticated, demanding options that cater to varying needs, from outright fuel economy to electric-only commuting capabilities. The 2025 Kia Sportage offers a compelling range of options, though not all are created equal in their appeal.
Let’s start with the standard, entry-level engine. While Kia doesn’t explicitly market it as “gutless,” from a driver’s perspective, that’s often the reality. The base naturally aspirated engine, powering many Sportage models on dealer lots, feels underpowered, especially when tasked with merging onto fast-moving freeways or attempting overtakes. In 2025, when even economy cars offer turbocharged engines for brisk acceleration, the Sportage’s base engine feels like a relic. It gets the job done, but without enthusiasm, and this lack of vigor can detract from an otherwise refined driving experience. For buyers seeking a truly engaging or even simply competent acceleration experience, this engine often falls short.
Where the Sportage truly begins to shine in terms of propulsion is with its hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offerings. The Sportage Hybrid option delivers a significant boost in performance over the base engine, making daily driving much more pleasant. Its recent minor horsepower bump, while barely noticeable on paper, contributes to a smoother and more responsive feel off the line. More importantly, it delivers commendable Sportage Hybrid MPG figures that place it firmly in the competitive mid-range of best hybrid SUV 2025 models. While not groundbreaking, it offers a tangible improvement in fuel economy without the need for external charging, making it a popular and practical choice for many.
However, the real star of the powertrain lineup, and a clear indicator of Kia’s commitment to electrification, is the Sportage PHEV. This variant unlocks the ability for significant all-electric driving range – typically enough to cover most people’s daily commutes purely on electricity. This is a game-changer for many buyers looking to reduce their gasoline consumption and minimize their environmental footprint. The ability to plug in at home and wake up to a full “electric tank” for short trips transforms the ownership experience, effectively giving you two vehicles in one: an EV for daily tasks and a hybrid for longer journeys. The combined power output of the PHEV also provides the most spirited driving experience within the Sportage family. As the market moves inexorably towards electrification, the Sportage PHEV represents a particularly forward-thinking and fuel-efficient compact SUV option, offering impressive electric driving mode flexibility. The robust Sportage PHEV range sets a strong benchmark for the segment, making it a highly attractive proposition for car buying guide 2025 recommendations focusing on sustainability.
Engineering Excellence & Driving Dynamics: Refined, Not Racy
When discussing the driving experience of the 2025 Kia Sportage, it’s important to set expectations. This is a compact family SUV, not a sports sedan. Yet, within that context, the Sportage consistently delivers a level of chassis engineering and SUV ride quality that is genuinely impressive. Kia’s engineering teams have been on a roll in recent years, demonstrating a knack for tuning suspensions that balance comfort with composure, and the Sportage is a prime example of this expertise.
On the road, the Sportage exhibits a “notably stable and predictable” demeanor. The ride is well-damped, effectively absorbing most road imperfections without transmitting harshness into the cabin. This makes for a comfortable and serene cruising experience, even over broken pavement – a critical factor for daily usability. While it’s certainly not engineered for aggressive cornering, the Sportage holds its own with surprising competence. Body roll is well-controlled, and the steering, while light, is precise enough to instill confidence. It demonstrates a level of refinement unexpected for its class, often feeling more substantial and composed than some of its direct rivals. This contributes significantly to a premium feel without the premium price tag.
The overall driving dynamics 2025 of the Sportage are squarely aimed at providing a confident, secure, and comfortable experience for the driver and passengers. It’s not about razor-sharp reflexes or thrilling acceleration (unless you opt for the PHEV), but rather about predictability and ease of control. This blend of comfort and composed handling makes the Sportage an excellent choice for a variety of driving conditions, from city streets to highway cruises. The quietness of the cabin, the minimal road and wind noise, further underscore the engineering team’s focus on refinement, creating an environment conducive to relaxation or conversation. This meticulous attention to detail elevates the comfortable compact SUV experience significantly.
Safety & Technology: A Solid Foundation for Peace of Mind
In 2025, safety is non-negotiable, and advanced technology is expected, not just desired. The 2025 Kia Sportage confidently ticks both these critical boxes, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect occupants and assist the driver.
Starting with fundamental crashworthiness, the Sportage continues to earn high marks. A NHTSA rating of five stars overall is a powerful endorsement of its structural integrity and passive safety systems. This means that in the event of an unavoidable collision, the Sportage is engineered to provide a high level of protection for its occupants, thanks to its robust chassis and array of airbags. For any family-oriented buyer, this top-tier safety rating is often a primary consideration.
Beyond passive safety, Kia equips the 2025 Sportage with an extensive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard or readily available options. These features are not just present; they are well-integrated and genuinely helpful. From my testing, the systems are typically easy to engage and disengage, with clear visual and audible cues. The lane keep assist, for instance, performs an excellent job of gently nudging the vehicle back to the center of its lane without feeling intrusive or overly aggressive, which is a common complaint with less refined systems. Other crucial ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance, and automatic high-beams are all part of the package, providing an extra layer of vigilance and support for the driver. These technologies are crucial for navigating the increasingly complex traffic environments of 2025, making the 2025 Kia Sportage safety features truly comprehensive.
The SUV infotainment system is another area where the Sportage leverages technology effectively. The “snappy new operating system” is indeed a notable improvement. Its interface is intuitive, graphics are crisp, and processing speeds are quick, minimizing frustrating lag. Navigation, media, and vehicle settings are easily accessible. Furthermore, the integration of over-the-air updates (where applicable) ensures that the system remains current with the latest software and features, protecting your investment against rapid technological obsolescence. This commitment to modern Kia connectivity and user experience is crucial in today’s digital world.
Value Proposition: Where the Sportage Dominates
If there’s one aspect where the 2025 Kia Sportage doesn’t just compete but truly dominates, it’s its exceptional value proposition. In a market where vehicle prices continue to climb, finding a vehicle that delivers so much quality, technology, and practicality for its price point is increasingly rare. This is where the Sportage truly stands out as an affordable family vehicle and a smart financial decision.
From the moment you step inside, the Sportage imparts a sense of “everything you need” without feeling stripped down. The high-quality feel of the materials, the thoughtful amenities, and the sheer number of standard features included, even on mid-tier trims, are truly impressive. When you compare its feature-per-dollar ratio against many of its competitors, the Sportage consistently comes out ahead. You’re not just getting a compact SUV; you’re getting a package that feels significantly more upscale and technologically advanced than its price tag suggests. This makes it a strong contender for the best value compact SUV.
Beyond the initial purchase price, Kia’s renowned industry-leading warranty further bolsters the Sportage’s SUV resale value and long-term ownership appeal. Knowing that your investment is protected by comprehensive coverage provides invaluable peace of mind. Combine this with the excellent Kia Sportage price and its competitive fuel economy (especially with the hybrid and PHEV variants), and you have a vehicle that is not only accessible upfront but also economical to own and operate over its lifespan. For the pragmatic buyer, this holistic approach to value is exceptionally compelling.
The Verdict: A Champion for the Real World
After years of evaluating countless vehicles, I’ve come to understand that the true measure of an automobile isn’t always found in its ability to break track records or win flashy “Car of the Year” awards. Often, it’s in its unwavering competence, its seamless integration into daily life, and its ability to consistently exceed expectations for its intended purpose. The 2025 Kia Sportage embodies this philosophy perfectly.
While its subtle refresh may not propel it onto every automotive podium as a segment disruptor, it refines an already excellent product into something even more compelling for the vast majority of consumers. It “ticks all the boxes,” as industry veterans often say. No single aspect is extravagantly spectacular, perhaps, but the summation of the whole delivers an experience that is exceedingly competent, satisfying, and genuinely enjoyable. It’s practical without being boring, stylish without being ostentatious, and well-equipped without breaking the bank. For those seeking an everyday practicality SUV, the Sportage is a standout.
This isn’t a vehicle that screams for attention; it earns respect through solid engineering, intelligent design, and a clear focus on the needs of its driver and passengers. It’s a reliable, safe, and efficient workhorse that happens to look good and offer impressive technology. In my professional opinion, the 2025 compact SUV review for the Sportage unequivocally confirms its status as an exceptionally strong contender for any buyer prioritizing practicality, peace of mind, and outstanding value.
If you’re in the market for a well-rounded, practical, and value-packed compact SUV that seamlessly fits into your daily life and future-proofs your driving experience for years to come, the 2025 Kia Sportage deserves a prominent spot on your shortlist. Don’t just read about it – experience it for yourself. Visit your local Kia dealership today to take a test drive and discover how the Sportage can elevate your everyday commute and family adventures.
