UFC 315 is set to be a thrilling night of fights as the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Montreal with a world championship doubleheader. The main event features UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad defending his title against the dangerous finisher and No. 4 ranked contender Jack Della Maddalena. This highly anticipated matchup is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Bell Centre, with the main card going live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.
Belal Muhammad, known as "Remember the Name," enters this title defense with an impressive 11-fight unbeaten streak dating back to early 2019. Over the past six years, he has faced and defeated some of the top names in the welterweight division, including Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Stephen Thompson. Muhammad's grappling prowess and relentless fighting style have earned him respect, but he has faced criticism for his inability to finish fights, which some argue has kept him from achieving superstar status.
In contrast, Jack Della Maddalena comes into this bout on a remarkable 17-fight winning streak, including seven victories in the Octagon, five of which ended by knockout or submission. Della’s striking has been particularly impressive, and he aims to become Australia’s third UFC champion by dethroning Muhammad. The stakes are high for Della, as a victory could catapult him into a superfight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, a prospect that has been hinted at by UFC president Dana White.
The tension between the two fighters was palpable during a fiery press conference leading up to UFC 315. Della Maddalena had to be physically separated from Muhammad after an explosive face-off where Muhammad controversially put his hands on the challenger. This incident added an extra layer of intensity to an already highly charged matchup. "He’s going to need the ref to save him when I break him," Muhammad declared, while Della Maddalena countered, asserting that Muhammad has never taken anyone’s soul and won’t take his.
The co-main event features a women’s flyweight title bout between reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko and rising contender Manon Fiorot. Shevchenko, a two-time champion, is coming off a victory against Lauren Murphy and has been a dominant force in the division. However, she faces a tough challenge in Fiorot, who is on a six-fight winning streak and known for her striking ability. Both fighters weighed in successfully, with Shevchenko at 124 pounds and Fiorot at 125 pounds.
Another notable matchup on the card is the featherweight bout between former champion José Aldo and Aiemann Zahabi. Aldo, who has struggled with weight cuts in the past, was forced to shift this fight from bantamweight to featherweight after difficulties making weight. He weighed in at 143 pounds, while Zahabi came in at 142 pounds. Aldo, a legendary figure in MMA, is looking to bounce back after a split decision loss in his last outing.
In the lightweight division, Benoit Saint-Denis faces Kyle Prepolec. Saint-Denis, known for his finishing ability, looks to get back on track after recent setbacks against ranked opponents. Prepolec is making his return to the UFC after a hiatus, and he’ll need to be at his best to contend with the aggressive style of Saint-Denis.
Additionally, the women’s flyweight bout between Alexa Grasso and Natalia Silva promises to be an exciting clash. Grasso, a former champion, is eager to prove herself against Silva, who has yet to face a top-five opponent. Both fighters weighed in at 126 pounds, and the outcome of this fight could have significant implications for the division.
The UFC 315 official weigh-ins took place on Friday, May 9, 2025, where all fighters successfully made weight. The event will kick off with the early prelims starting at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by the prelims at 8 p.m. ET, before the main card begins at 10 p.m. ET.
Fans can expect a night filled with action, drama, and high stakes as the fighters step into the Octagon, each with their own motivations and goals. With championship belts on the line and fighters looking to solidify their legacies, UFC 315 is shaping up to be a memorable event in the world of mixed martial arts.
