In a thrilling main event at UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena captured the welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad in a hard-fought five-round battle at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on May 10, 2025. Della Maddalena, who entered the fight with an impressive 17-fight winning streak, showcased his striking prowess and resilience against the seasoned champion, Muhammad, who was looking to defend his title for the first time.
Belal Muhammad, known as 'Remember the Name', had previously secured the welterweight title in July 2024 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Leon Edwards. Coming into this match, Muhammad boasted a 10-fight winning streak, including notable victories over top contenders like Gilbert Burns, Sean Brady, and Stephen Thompson. However, Della Maddalena was determined to dethrone the champion and prove his mettle.
From the opening bell, Della Maddalena established his striking game, utilizing jabs and leg kicks to keep Muhammad at bay. The Australian fighter's boxing skills were on full display as he landed clean shots while effectively defending against Muhammad's takedown attempts. Despite Muhammad's relentless pressure and grappling attempts, Della Maddalena remained composed and focused throughout the contest.
As the rounds progressed, Della Maddalena continued to find success with his striking. He landed a total of 178 significant strikes out of 342 attempts, showcasing his accuracy and power. Meanwhile, Muhammad struggled to find his rhythm, landing only 3 of 9 takedown attempts, which highlighted Della Maddalena's exceptional takedown defense.
Round by round, the fight unfolded with both fighters exchanging heavy shots. Della Maddalena's ability to mix up his strikes kept Muhammad guessing, while the champion fought back with determination. In the fifth and final round, Della Maddalena landed a knee that opened a cut on Muhammad's face, further demonstrating his striking dominance.
As the final bell rang, it was clear that Della Maddalena had done enough to secure the victory. The judges scored the bout unanimously in favor of Della Maddalena, with two judges scoring it 48-47 and one judge at 49-46. The announcement of "And NEW!" echoed through the arena, marking a historic moment for the new champion.
Post-fight reactions poured in from fighters and fans alike, with many praising Della Maddalena's performance. UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski tweeted, "Yeeeew.. Gotta be jack! #andnew #ufc315," while Alan Jouban noted, "JDM looked impressive everywhere tonight. #UFC315." The victory not only earned Della Maddalena the title but also positioned him as a potential challenger for Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion.
Looking ahead, Della Maddalena expressed his eagerness to face Makhachev, saying, "I think it’s a beautiful challenge. He’s pound-for-pound No. 1. I’m going to get him back for Volk." This statement reflects Della Maddalena's ambition and readiness to take on the best in the division.
The UFC 315 event also featured other exciting matchups. Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her flyweight title against Manon Fiorot, winning by unanimous decision with scores of 48-47 across the board. Additionally, Aiemann Zahabi defeated Jose Aldo, marking a significant victory for Zahabi, while Natalia Silva showcased her skills by defeating Alexa Grasso.
Overall, UFC 315 was a night filled with action, drama, and unforgettable moments. Jack Della Maddalena's victory not only crowned him the new welterweight champion but also set the stage for exciting matchups to come in the UFC.
