On May 10, 2025, the UFC returned to Montreal for UFC 315, a night that promised to deliver thrilling matchups and significant implications for the fighters involved. The event, held at the Bell Centre, marked the first time the Octagon graced the city since 2015, and fans were eager to witness a stacked card featuring two championship bouts.
In the main event, welterweight champion Belal Muhammad defended his title against the rising star Jack Della Maddalena. Muhammad, who has been undefeated for over six years, was looking to solidify his legacy by overcoming the challenge posed by Della Maddalena, who came into the fight with a perfect record in the UFC. The stakes were high, as Della Maddalena aimed to bring the title back to Australia, adding further intrigue to the matchup.
Meanwhile, in the co-main event, former flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko began her second reign atop the division against the talented French contender Manon Fiorot. Shevchenko, a seasoned veteran known for her striking and grappling prowess, was determined to reclaim her title, while Fiorot sought to make a name for herself by dethroning one of the sport's all-time greats.
As the night unfolded, fans were treated to a variety of bouts showcasing both seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers. José Aldo, the legendary former featherweight champion, returned to the Octagon against Canadian Aiemann Zahabi. Aldo, who is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame and considered one of the greatest featherweights of all time, was looking to add to his legacy, despite facing challenges in recent fights.
Coming off a split decision loss to Mario Bautista, Aldo was eager to bounce back and prove he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level. However, the fight took a turn when Aldo was unable to make the bantamweight limit, resulting in a switch to a featherweight bout against Zahabi.
The card also featured notable matchups such as Alexa Grasso facing Natalia Silva, and Jessica Andrade going up against Jasmine Jasudavicius. The excitement in the Bell Centre was palpable, as fans rallied behind their home fighters while also showing respect for the visiting talent.
In terms of earnings, fight night projections indicated that Belal Muhammad was set to earn a base purse of $750,000, with potential for additional earnings based on pay-per-view sales. His opponent, Jack Della Maddalena, was projected to receive a base payout of $500,000. Meanwhile, Valentina Shevchenko's estimated earnings were around $500,000, with the possibility of reaching $1,000,000 with bonuses and incentives.
José Aldo, for his part, was expected to earn $400,000 for his bout against Zahabi, while Zahabi himself was projected to take home around $75,000, plus an estimated $6,000 in sponsorship income.
As the fights commenced, the atmosphere in Montreal was electric. Aldo's return to Canada, where he made his UFC debut years ago, added a layer of nostalgia to his matchup against Zahabi. The crowd was eager to see if Aldo could harness his experience and skill to secure a victory.
Despite the excitement, there were concerns about the event's commercial viability. UFC 315 was projected to deliver modest pay-per-view numbers, estimated between 100,000 and 200,000 buys, which is considered below the UFC's blockbuster standards. Reports indicated sluggish ticket sales, with only about 50% of seats sold just days before the event, raising questions about the overall success of the card.
As the preliminary bouts kicked off, fans were treated to a series of impressive performances. Marc-Andre Barriault scored a knockout victory in the first round against Bruno Silva, eliciting a massive reaction from the crowd. In another bout, Mike Malott secured a TKO win in Round 2 against Charles Radtke, showcasing his striking power.
In the women's featherweight division, Jasmine Jasudavicius submitted Jessica Andrade in Round 1, further solidifying her place among the top contenders. Daniel Santos also made headlines by recovering from an early knockdown to win his first fight in the featherweight division against Jeongyeong Lee.
As the main card progressed, the anticipation built for the championship bouts. In the welterweight title fight, Belal Muhammad faced a tough challenge from Jack Della Maddalena, who was determined to capitalize on his opportunity. The co-main event featured Valentina Shevchenko defending her title against Manon Fiorot, who was looking to upset the former champion.
With the Octagon alive with action, UFC 315 promised to deliver memorable moments and potentially reshape the landscape of several divisions. As fans watched their favorite fighters compete, the night was not just about titles and paychecks; it was about legacy, determination, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
As the dust settled on UFC 315, the fighters left everything in the Octagon, and the results would undoubtedly spark discussions among fans and analysts alike. Would Aldo's journey continue, or was this the beginning of the end for one of the sport's most revered figures? Only time would tell as the UFC landscape continued to evolve.
