UFC 315: Belal Muhammad’s Title Aspirations Take a Hit as Jack Della Maddalena Claims Victory, Thwarting Dana White’s Mega-Fight Plans
Belal Muhammad’s reign as welterweight champion came to a surprising conclusion at UFC 315.
The American of Palestinian heritage set out to make the first title defense of the 170lbs championship he won from Leon Edwards in Manchester last July.
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In this title defense, he faced Australian Jack Della Maddalena, who was returning from a 14-month layoff due to a serious BONE INFECTION.
However, the fight did not unfold in his favor, ending with a unanimous decision victory for JDM, who became the third UFC titleholder from Australia.
Della Maddalena shared his excitement, stating, “It’s exactly how I imagined it would feel. It feels f***ing amazing.”
“I knew I had to stay nimble. I wished my strikes had been a tad quicker.”
“Fighting someone like Belal, with the pressure from his wrestling, forced me to strategize.”
“I felt I was leading and wanted to finish him. Belal is a tough opponent.”
“Australia, we now have three of these belts. Let’s go!”
Della Maddalena exhibited magnificent striking throughout the fight, punishing Muhammad from the get-go.
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Muhammad, for his part, absorbed Della Maddalena’s hardest shots while constantly pushing forward for takedowns.
Della Maddalena showcased excellent takedown defense throughout, effectively resetting whenever he found himself on the mat.
UFC star Jack Della Maddalena Discusses His Traumatic Bone Infection
The visible damage sustained during the fight was a key factor for the judges.
The severe cut inflicted beneath Muhammad’s eye by Della Maddalena’s precise knee in the fifth round likely influenced the judges, who scored the match 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Della Maddalena.
This victory has significant implications for Dana White’s plans for the UFC’s International Fight Week, scheduled for June 28.
If Della Maddalena had lost, a major lightweight title fight between champion Islam Makhachev and former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria was set to headline UFC 317.
However, Della Maddalena’s win opens the door for Makhachev to climb to 170lbs in his pursuit of becoming a two-division champion.
Dagestani star Makhachev is eager to move up, asserting: “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah. Let’s go.”
Della Maddalena is looking forward to the challenge of dethroning the pound-for-pound champion, affirming: “It’s an incredible challenge.”
“He’s currently the pound-for-pound No. 1. I’m going to ensure I get him back for [Alexander Volkanovski].”
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Credit: EPA