The UFC's 10-year Montreal drought ended on Saturday night, May 10, 2025, with a thrilling event featuring two title fights at the iconic Bell Centre. UFC 315 marked the return of the Octagon to Montreal, and it did not disappoint, delivering a night filled with intense battles and unforgettable moments.
The main event showcased welterweight champion Belal Muhammad defending his title against the formidable Jack Della Maddalena. Muhammad, who captured the championship from Leon Edwards in July 2024, was eager to make his first title defense. However, he faced a tough challenge from Della Maddalena, who entered the fight riding a remarkable 16-fight win streak, including a perfect 7-0 record in the UFC.
As the fight commenced, both fighters exchanged blows early, with Della Maddalena landing a series of powerful strikes. Muhammad, known for his resilience, fought back with jabs and body kicks, attempting to establish his rhythm. However, Della Maddalena's striking was sharp, and he landed a significant left hand that seemed to rattle Muhammad. The first round ended with Della Maddalena taking a slight edge, as he showcased his striking prowess.
In the second round, Muhammad began to find his footing, pressing forward and landing combinations. The champion's experience shone through as he managed to secure a takedown, gaining valuable control time. Despite this, Della Maddalena's counterstrikes kept the pressure on Muhammad, and the back-and-forth action continued.
As the fight progressed into the later rounds, it became clear that both fighters were determined to leave it all in the Octagon. Della Maddalena continued to look for openings, landing clean shots, while Muhammad displayed his tenacity, refusing to back down. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the championship rounds unfolded, each fighter vying for supremacy.
In the final moments of the five-round battle, Della Maddalena unleashed a flurry of punches that visibly shook Muhammad. However, the champion, showcasing his heart and grit, fought back valiantly. Ultimately, the judges awarded Della Maddalena a unanimous decision victory with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, crowning him the new UFC Welterweight Champion.
In the co-main event, the women's flyweight title was on the line as Valentina Shevchenko defended her championship against the rising star Manon Fiorot. Shevchenko, who had recently reclaimed her title from Alexa Grasso in September 2024, faced a tough opponent in Fiorot, who was also unbeaten in the UFC.
The fight began with both fighters exchanging strikes, but it was Shevchenko's experience that began to shine through. She landed powerful punches and showcased her grappling skills, taking Fiorot to the mat and controlling the pace of the fight. Fiorot, determined to make history as the first female French UFC champion, fought back with her own offensive strikes, but Shevchenko's defense proved too strong.
As the rounds progressed, the intensity of the bout escalated, with both fighters trading blows in a display of skill and determination. Shevchenko's striking was precise, landing significant shots that kept Fiorot on the defensive. Despite Fiorot's best efforts, Shevchenko's experience and tactical approach ultimately led to her retaining the title by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the fight 48-47 in her favor.
In addition to the title fights, the main card featured several exciting matchups. In a featherweight bout, the legendary Jose Aldo faced off against Aiemann Zahabi. Aldo, a former champion, showcased his striking skills but ultimately fell short as Zahabi secured a unanimous decision victory, marking a significant moment in his career.
Meanwhile, in the women's flyweight division, Alexa Grasso battled Natalia Silva. Grasso, a former champion, was unable to find her rhythm as Silva dominated the fight, earning a unanimous decision victory with scores of 30-27 from all judges.
The lightweight clash between Benoit Saint-Denis and Kyle Prepolec also delivered excitement, with Saint-Denis securing a submission victory via arm-triangle choke in the second round. The fight showcased Saint-Denis's grappling skills and determination, further solidifying his status as a rising contender in the division.
On the preliminary card, Bekzat Almakhan made a statement by knocking out Brad Katona in just over a minute, while Daniel Santos edged out JeongYeong Lee by unanimous decision, showcasing his striking and grappling versatility.
Marc-Andre Barriault delivered a highlight-reel knockout against Bruno Silva, landing a devastating elbow that left Silva unable to continue. This victory marked a significant moment for Barriault, who continues to climb the ranks in the middleweight division.
Navajo Stirling also shone with a unanimous decision win over Ivan Erslan, demonstrating his striking prowess and grappling skills throughout the fight.
As UFC 315 concluded, fans were left buzzing from the excitement of the night. The event not only marked the return of the Octagon to Montreal but also showcased the depth of talent within the UFC. With Della Maddalena now holding the welterweight title and Shevchenko successfully defending her championship, the future of the division looks promising.
UFC 315 will be remembered as a historic night, filled with thrilling moments, fierce competition, and the crowning of new champions. As the fighters celebrated their victories and reflected on their performances, fans eagerly anticipated what the future holds for these talented athletes in the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts.
