In a high-stakes welterweight title clash at UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena emerged victorious over Belal Muhammad, capturing the championship belt in a grueling five-round battle that left both fighters battered and bloodied.
The event, held at the Bell Centre in Montreal on May 10, 2025, saw Della Maddalena outpoint Muhammad via unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 49-46 and 48-47 twice. The Australian’s precise striking and effective takedown defense proved pivotal against Muhammad, who had vowed pre-fight to rely solely on his boxing skills, stating, “I’m not gonna shoot one takedown” .
Despite Muhammad’s efforts, Della Maddalena landed 178 significant strikes to Muhammad’s 132 and thwarted six of nine takedown attempts . The bout’s intensity earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors, each receiving a $50,000 bonus .
Post-fight, UFC President Dana White shared a graphic image of Muhammad’s injuries, revealing a severely split lip reminiscent of past gruesome cuts suffered by fighters Robbie Lawler and Alistair Overeem . Further reports indicated Muhammad sustained a broken nose and orbital bone .
The fight’s scoring sparked debate, with commentator Jon Anik advocating for open scoring to enhance transparency, noting that two judges had the fight tied entering the final round .
Della Maddalena’s victory extends his winning streak to 18, including an 8-0 UFC record since 2021, and positions him as a formidable force in the welterweight division . The Australian has expressed interest in challenging UFC pound-for-pound No. 1 Islam Makhachev, hinting at a potential future super-fight.
As for Muhammad, the extent of his injuries leaves his return timeline uncertain. The former champion’s resilience and willingness to engage in a stand-up battle, despite his wrestling background, underscore his warrior spirit, even in defeat.
UFC 315 will be remembered not only for the title change but also for the brutal display of heart and determination exhibited by both fighters in the octagon.
