UFC 315 Preview: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena

UFC 315’s main event brings a welterweight championship bout to Montreal’s Bell Centre as defending champion Belal Muhammad meets fast-rising Australian contender Jack Della Maddalena. Both fighters are skilled in their own way, with impressive records behind them, making this match, from a distance, seem like a close call.

Belal Muhammad (24-3) enters his first title defence on the back of an 11-fight unbeaten run, having captured the belt with a clear decision victory over Leon Edwards in Manchester last July.

Since joining the UFC in 2016, Muhammad has steadily climbed the ranks, relying on a blend of high-volume offence, relentless pressure, and well-rounded skills. His wrestling and grappling skills, honed with the help of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s camp, have become a key part of his arsenal, allowing him to neutralise opponents and control the pace of fights.

The 36-year-old’s recent run includes wins over top contenders and former champions, and he has made a habit of outworking his adversaries over five rounds. While quick finishes may not be his strong suit, his cardio and tactical discipline have made him a difficult puzzle for the division’s elite.

Competing in his first UFC title match, Jack Della Maddalena (17-2) steps into the octagon after claiming victory in the seven bouts he’s been in since joining the UFC, with five of those wins coming inside the distance. Most recently, at UFC 299, he overcame a broken arm suffered early in the fight to rally and stop former title challenger Gilbert Burns in the third round. 

Della Maddalena’s UFC tenure has featured victories over names like Kevin Holland, Randy Brown, and Ramazan Emeev, earning him multiple performance of the Night bonuses. His finishing rate (82%) stands in stark contrast to Muhammad’s (25%), and his ability to adapt in close contests has been tested in split-decision wins against Bassil Hafez and Holland.

Physically, both fighters are nearly identical in height and reach, but Della Maddalena is eight years younger and arguably at his athletic peak. The champion’s best path lies in early control, using his grappling to sap the challenger’s energy and avoid extended striking exchanges. Della Maddalena, meanwhile, will seek to keep the fight standing, start fast, and capitalise on his finishing ability before Muhammad’s pressure and wrestling take over.

With Muhammad favoured by oddsmakers, the bout is seen as a classic battle between a proven champion’s consistency and a challenger’s momentum and firepower. For Muhammad, a win cements his status atop the division, while a victory for Della Maddalena will mark the arrival of a new force in the welterweight hierarchy.