In a thrilling main event at UFC 315 held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Jack Della Maddalena emerged victorious over Belal Muhammad to claim the welterweight championship. The fight, which took place on May 10, 2025, saw Della Maddalena outbox and outstrike Muhammad for much of the five-round contest, culminating in a unanimous decision victory with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.
Della Maddalena, stepping in on short notice to replace Shavkat Rakhmonov, showcased his striking prowess and tactical acumen throughout the bout. Despite Muhammad's attempts to rally in the final round, it was clear that Della Maddalena had established control early on, effectively utilizing his boxing skills to keep the champion at bay. This victory not only solidifies Della Maddalena's status as a top contender but also opens the door for potential super-fights, including a matchup against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who is eyeing a move up to 170 pounds.
Belal Muhammad, who entered the Octagon with a 10-fight unbeaten streak, was looking to defend his title for the first time after capturing it from Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July 2024. Muhammad's journey to the championship had been marked by resilience, particularly after overcoming a bone infection that sidelined him from a planned title defense against Rakhmonov last December. However, despite his preparation and experience, he found himself outmatched by Della Maddalena's striking and speed.
In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her women's flyweight championship against Manon Fiorot in a closely contested bout. Shevchenko, a veteran of the sport and widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time, secured a unanimous decision victory with scores of 48-47 across all judges' cards. Fiorot, who entered the fight undefeated in the UFC, presented a formidable challenge, but Shevchenko's experience and technical skill ultimately prevailed.
Meanwhile, in a significant moment for the sport, former featherweight champion Jose Aldo announced his retirement after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi. Aldo, who had previously hinted at retirement, laid his gloves down in the ring, marking the end of an illustrious career that included a Hall of Fame induction in 2023. His legacy in the UFC remains unmatched, with a record that includes multiple title reigns and historic fights.
In other notable results from UFC 315, Natalia Silva defeated Alexa Grasso by unanimous decision, further complicating the women's flyweight landscape. Silva's victory showcased her striking and grappling skills, while Grasso, who previously held the title, will need to regroup and reassess her path forward.
Benoit Saint Denis also made headlines by defeating Kyle Prepolec via second-round submission, while Mike Malott secured a TKO victory over Charles Radtke in the second round. Jasmine Jasudavicius continued her ascent in the division with a first-round submission win against Jessica Andrade, and Modestas Bukauskas edged out Ion Cuțelaba in a split decision. Other fights included Navajo Stirling's unanimous decision win over Ivan Erslan and Joshua Van's first-round knockout of Bruno Silva.
As UFC 315 wrapped up, fans were left buzzing with excitement for what lies ahead. With Jack Della Maddalena now crowned as the new welterweight champion and potential matchups on the horizon, the future of the UFC welterweight division looks promising. Meanwhile, Valentina Shevchenko's continued dominance and the retirement of legends like Aldo add further layers to the ever-evolving narrative of mixed martial arts.
UFC 315 will be remembered not only for the title fight but also for the stories of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of greatness that define the sport. Fans can look forward to the next event, UFC 316, set to take place in Newark, New Jersey, as the UFC continues its journey through 2025 with thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.
