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11 May 2025

Belal Muhammad Defends Title Against Jack Della Maddalena

Valentina Shevchenko faces Manon Fiorot in co-main event at UFC 315

UFC 315 showcased thrilling action at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Saturday night, May 10, 2025. The event was headlined by a highly anticipated welterweight title fight where Belal Muhammad defended his championship against the formidable challenger Jack Della Maddalena. This matchup was particularly exciting as Muhammad, boasting an impressive record of 10-0 with one no-contest in his last eleven fights, faced Della Maddalena, who entered the octagon riding a remarkable 17-fight winning streak.

The stakes were high for both fighters, with Muhammad looking to solidify his reign as champion while Della Maddalena aimed to claim his first title in the UFC. The co-main event featured another title bout, with Valentina Shevchenko defending her UFC flyweight championship against Manon Fiorot. Shevchenko, a seasoned champion with a record of 3-1-1 in her last five fights, was up against Fiorot, who was on a twelve-fight win streak and eager to capture her first championship.

The main card kicked off at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV, featuring a lineup filled with exciting matchups. Alongside the title fights, fans were treated to notable bouts including Jose Aldo versus Aiemann Zahabi, Alexa Grasso against Natalia Silva, and Benoit Saint Denis facing Kyle Prepolec. The prelims began at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+, while the early prelims started at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+/Disney+.

In the prelims, Jasmine Jasudavicius made headlines by defeating former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade via submission with a rear-naked choke in the first round, at 2:40. This victory was a significant statement for Jasudavicius, who improved her record to 14-3. Modestas Bukauskas also secured a victory over Ion Cutelaba by split decision, with judges scoring the fight 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in favor of Bukauskas. Navajo Stirling remained undefeated, defeating Ivan Erslan by unanimous decision with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 29-27.

The early prelims saw Canadian fighter Marc-Andre Barriault deliver an impressive performance, knocking out Bruno Silva with elbows and punches just 1:27 into the first round. Daniel Santos also showcased his skills, defeating Jeong Yeong Lee by unanimous decision, while Bekzat Almakhan stopped Brad Katona with punches in the first round, marking a swift victory at 1:04.

As the main event approached, the atmosphere in the Bell Centre was electric. Fans eagerly anticipated the clash between Muhammad and Della Maddalena. Muhammad, who hails from Chicago, was looking to defend his welterweight title for the first time, while Della Maddalena, ranked No. 5, was aiming to dethrone the champion and establish himself at the top of the division.

In the co-main event, Shevchenko faced Fiorot in what was expected to be a challenging fight for the champion. Shevchenko, known for her striking and grappling prowess, was set to test Fiorot's skills as she attempted to capture her first UFC title. Fiorot, ranked No. 2 in the division, was poised to make a significant impact in her title shot.

Overall, UFC 315 promised to deliver a night of high-stakes competition and thrilling moments. With the main card featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, fans were treated to a showcase of talent and determination. The outcomes of these fights would undoubtedly shape the future of the welterweight and flyweight divisions.

As the night unfolded, the anticipation grew for the championship bouts. Would Muhammad successfully defend his title against the relentless Della Maddalena? Could Shevchenko fend off the challenge from the up-and-coming Fiorot? The answers were forthcoming as the fights progressed.

In summary, UFC 315 at the Bell Centre was not just a series of fights; it was a pivotal moment in the careers of several athletes. With championship titles on the line and fighters eager to prove themselves, the event was set to leave a lasting impression on the UFC landscape.