Jack Della Maddalena respects Belal Muhammad‘s well-rounded skills and winning record but believes he has the edge in their upcoming UFC 315 fight, aiming to prove himself the better MMA fighter without underestimating Muhammad’s striking or grappling abilities.
Jack Della Maddalena gets the hype around his fight with Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. It’s the classic striker vs. grappler story—but he’s not buying it.
Reducing the welterweight title bout to such simple terms doesn’t do justice to either fighter. Sure, everyone talks about Muhammad’s wrestling and conditioning. And yes, Muhammad brags about his boxing, even calling his hands “Canelo hands” to hype up his title defense.
Della Maddalena acknowledges Muhammad’s skills. But he believes he’s just a bit better in every aspect.
“He’s good at winning,” Della Maddalena admits. “But I think I can get him on the feet and on the ground. I’m a better MMA fighter.”
Boxing match? Not interested. Della Maddalena loves MMA, with its kicks and elbows. That’s his playground.
He knows Muhammad can strike. Remember when Muhammad knocked out Sean Brady? Yeah, he’s improved since then. But Della Maddalena doubts Muhammad will stay on his feet for long.
“His striking is fast and awkward,” Della Maddalena notes. “Effective, but not damaging. He snaps those punches and then goes for the hips. He’s well-rounded.”
The fight starts standing, and Della Maddalena expects Muhammad to test the waters. If Muhammad feels comfortable, he might stick around. But discomfort will send him back to grappling.
Grappling—that’s Muhammad’s bread and butter. It’s kept him undefeated for six years. Della Maddalena respects that, especially after facing a grappling-heavy plan from Gilbert Burns.
“I can stop the takedown,” Della Maddalena insists. “I’m comfortable on my back, but stopping the takedown makes the fight easier. Saves energy, lets me bust him up.”
Despite Muhammad’s reign as champion, critics abound. Yet, he keeps winning. Della Maddalena respects that resilience.
Like Muhammad, Della Maddalena’s success comes from hard work. He’s not about trash talk—he lets his fighting speak.
“I respect the resume,” Della Maddalena says. “He’s had a great career. No bad blood. I’m coming with vicious intentions. That’s the fight game.”