On May 10, 2025, the UFC returned to Montreal for the first time in a decade, and the excitement was palpable as fans filled the Bell Centre for UFC 315. The event was headlined by welterweight champion Belal Muhammad defending his title against Jack Della Maddalena in what promised to be a thrilling matchup.
Belal Muhammad, known for his wrestling prowess and improved striking, entered the octagon with a record of 24 wins and 3 losses. He was on a ten-fight win streak, having recently defeated Leon Edwards in England, showcasing his takedown ability and control time. Della Maddalena, on the other hand, was riding high on a perfect 9-0 record in the UFC and a professional record of 17 wins and 2 losses. His last fight saw him overcome Gilbert Burns despite suffering a broken arm during the bout, demonstrating his resilience and finishing ability.
As the main event unfolded, the atmosphere was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the clash between these two welterweight contenders. Muhammad was the favorite at -190, while Della Maddalena was listed at +160, reflecting the competitive nature of this title fight.
In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko defended her flyweight title against the surging French star Manon Fiorot. Shevchenko, a multi-time champion with a record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, faced Fiorot, who had not tasted defeat since her MMA debut. The stakes were high, as both fighters aimed to cement their legacies in the octagon. Shevchenko entered the fight as a slight underdog at +114, while Fiorot was favored at -135.
Meanwhile, Alexa Grasso faced off against Natalia Silva on the undercard, with Grasso looking to bounce back from her recent title loss to Shevchenko. Grasso was an underdog at +200, while Silva, undefeated in the UFC, was favored at -245. The matchup promised to be a showcase of skill and technique, with both fighters eager to prove their worth in the division.
Another notable fight on the card was the return of former champion Jose Aldo, who stepped into the octagon against Aiemann Zahabi. Aldo, a legendary figure in the sport, had missed weight in his last outing and returned to the featherweight division, where he initially made his name. Aldo was favored at -192, while Zahabi, who had been on a five-fight winning streak, was the underdog at +160.
As the night progressed, fans were treated to a series of exciting bouts, including a standout performance by Marc-André Barriault, who delivered a stunning knockout of Bruno Silva. The Canadian fighter's explosive striking earned him a Performance of the Night bonus, further energizing the crowd.
In the bantamweight division, Daniel Santos made a triumphant return after a two-year layoff due to injuries, defeating Jeong Yeong Lee by unanimous decision. Santos showcased his striking and grappling skills, winning all three rounds on the judges' scorecards with a dominant performance that left fans and analysts impressed.
Another highlight of the prelims was Bekzat Almakhan's first-round knockout of Brad Katona, a result that surprised many given Katona's experience. Almakhan's power and precision were on full display, setting the tone for an action-packed night.
With the main card featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, UFC 315 was a showcase of talent and determination. The event not only marked the UFC's return to Montreal but also highlighted the depth of competition across multiple weight classes.
As the night drew to a close, fans left the Bell Centre buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the careers of the fighters they had just witnessed. With title fights, stunning knockouts, and a mix of established champions and hungry challengers, UFC 315 delivered on all fronts, reaffirming the sport's status as a premier destination for combat sports enthusiasts.
UFC 315 will be remembered not just for the fights, but for the atmosphere, the stories, and the unforgettable moments that unfolded in the octagon. As the fighters look ahead to their next challenges, fans are left to wonder what the future holds for these elite athletes in the world of mixed martial arts.
