On May 10, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will bring its thrilling action back to Montreal for UFC 315, which promises to deliver two highly anticipated title fights at the Bell Centre.
The main event will feature reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad defending his title against Australian standout Jack Della Maddalena, who is regarded as one of the most dangerous finishers in the division. Muhammad earned his championship status with an impressive victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 last summer, marking over seven months since he first claimed the welterweight gold. The Illinois native is acutely aware of the pressures of defending his title after overcoming some significant health challenges, including a severe infection just before he was scheduled to fight top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310.
Della Maddalena, who remains undefeated since joining the UFC roster, has been making waves with his aggressive fighting style, often leading to TKO or submission finishes. Khalid Ahmad, also known as ‘Handz of Steel,’ mentioned Della Maddalena's tendency to fade throughout bouts, indicating this might leave him vulnerable to the persistent pressure Muhammad is known for.
“I think Belal’s got his number because I’ve seen Jack gas out,” Neal commented, highlighting the challenges Della Maddalena may face against such seasoned competition.
While the odds favor Muhammad heading to this matchup, he acknowledges Della Maddalena’s growing reputation. “I’m never a guy to underestimate anybody. I like to overestimate my opponents,” he stated during his interview with MMA Junkie. Disrupting Della Maddalena’s perfect record is high on Muhammad’s agenda, asserting, “When you get in the cage with me, you’re going to realize, ‘Dang, this is why he’s the champion.’”
Adding to the excitement, the co-main event of UFC 315 will witness two-time flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defending her title against the surging Manon Fiorot, the top contender from France. Shevchenko, returning to the octagon after reclaiming her title against Alexa Grasso, prepares to face Fiorot, who aims to make history as the first-ever French UFC champion.
Fiorot, inspired by her country’s sporting spirit, has racked up impressive victories over notable fighters like Erin Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas. Shevchenko, also recognized as the number one women’s pound-for-pound fighter, expressed her excitement for the event by referring to the atmosphere at the Bell Centre. “It’s going to be beautiful violence,” she stated at the press conference. “There was a huge energizing spirit at the (Canadiens) game, and knowing it’s going to be our arena, where we’re going to fight, you know what to expect.”
The fight card will also highlight other thrilling matchups, including Jasmine Jasudavicius, who is set to take on the former champion Jessica Andrade, another prominent name within the UFC's women’s divisions. Andrade’s experience stems from her tenure as the UFC strawweight champion, and Jasudavicius is eager to prove she belongs among the very best.
Jasudavicius, who is riding high on four consecutive victories, aims to break through the flyweight rankings and sees the chance to compete against Andrade as monumental. “Her accolades are astronomical. ...I want to fight for the belt. I’ve trained all over the world, and I know my skill set,” she said during her press conference remarks.
Unfortunately for Andrade, she has faced some setbacks recently, including losses against fellow Brazilian fighter Natalia Silva. Nevertheless, her reputation remains formidable, as she has proven time and again why she is still considered dangerous.
“I’m really excited about fighting Jessica,” Jasudavicius commented. “I feel like my best performances are always in Canada, and having Canada on my back pushes me to do even more.”
UFC 315 will not be short on familiar faces. The event also sees Canadian middleweight Marc-Andre Barriault taking on Bruno Silva, and welterweight Mike Malott facing Charles Radtke. The sense of local pride is palpable, as fans are eager to support their home-grown fighters.
Since UFC 186, which took place back in April 2015, the organization has not hosted any events within the city, making UFC 315 even more special for the local fanbase. During their press tours, both main event fighters echoed sentiments of excitement and gratitude to be part of such a historic occasion.
“It holds a lot of significance. Georges St-Pierre is the welterweight GOAT, and to fight here, I can’t wait to put on a show for these fans,” Muhammad reflected.
The anticipation for ticket sales was heightened, with fans eagerly waiting for the official launch on February 28, 2025. Tickets for UFC 315 are available through Ticketmaster, offering fans limited access to this unforgettable night of mixed martial arts.
For those hoping to attend the event, the UFC has also provided VIP packages allowing attendees to enjoy enhanced experiences, including meet-and-greets with fighters and premium seating.
With the blend of championship bouts and rising stars, UFC 315 at the Bell Centre is shaping up to be one of the must-watch events of the year. Fans may well witness the crowning of new champions and the enduring fight for supremacy within these exhilarating matchups. Stay tuned for what promises to be another memorable chapter in UFC history.