Jack Della Maddalena Outslugs Belal Muhammad to Claim UFC Welterweight Title
In a night filled with electrifying action and high-stakes drama, Jack Della Maddalena emerged victorious in a grueling five-round battle against Belal Muhammad, earning a unanimous decision to become the new welterweight champion. This thrilling main event took place at UFC 315, held at the iconic Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, and it was a night to remember for MMA fans around the world.
Fighting out of Perth, Australia, Della Maddalena (18-2) showcased his striking prowess, effectively neutralizing Muhammad’s forward pressure and outstriking his opponent 200-155. The war of attrition left both fighters battered and bruised, but it was Della Maddalena who landed the bigger punches and successfully avoided Muhammad’s takedowns.
The judges scored the bout 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Della Maddalena, a testament to his superior performance in the Octagon. In his post-fight Octagon interview, Della Maddalena expressed his elation, saying, “It’s exactly how I thought it would feel. It feels f—ing good. Coming in there against someone like Belal with that pressure wrestling, I knew I had to be smart. … Belal’s the man. He’s a tough dude.”
Della Maddalena’s journey to the title was a story of opportunity meeting preparation. Originally scheduled to face Leon Edwards in March, the Australian was pulled from that fight and placed into a title fight with Muhammad when Shavkat Rakhmonov was unavailable due to a lingering injury.
Both Muhammad (11) and Della Maddalena (17) entered the fight riding double-digit unbeaten streaks, but it was Della Maddalena who extended his run with a scintillating performance in front of 19,786 fans who witnessed a fight far more exciting than many expected.
Muhammad’s self-imposed commitment to striking proved to be his undoing. He fought the first and second rounds almost exclusively on the feet and didn’t secure his first takedown of the fight until the fourth round. By then, it was too late as Della Maddalena had made his mark behind a crisp lead right hand and distance control.
Key Takeaways from the Fight
- Della Maddalena’s striking accuracy and power were pivotal in his victory.
- Muhammad’s strategy to engage in a striking battle backfired.
- The fight was a testament to Della Maddalena’s ability to adapt and overcome.
The win opens the door for lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to move up to welterweight and be the first fighter to challenge Della Maddalena for the 170-pound title in hopes of becoming a two-division champion. Makhachev announced that he would make the move only if Muhammad, with whom he has trained, lost Saturday.
Della Maddalena embraced the opportunity, seeing it as a chance to get redemption for countryman Alexander Volkanovski, who dropped two title bouts to Makhachev in 2023. “I think it’s a beautiful challenge,” Della Maddalena said. “He’s pound-for-pound No. 1. I’m gonna get it back for Volk.”
As the dust settles on this epic showdown, the MMA world eagerly anticipates what lies ahead for the new welterweight champion. With potential matchups against top contenders and the looming challenge from Makhachev, Della Maddalena’s reign promises to be an exciting chapter in the UFC’s storied history.
Originally Written by: Andreas Hale
