Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad in a thrilling five-round battle to become the new UFC welterweight champion at UFC 315 in Montreal, showcasing his striking prowess and resilience against Muhammad’s relentless pressure.
Jack Della Maddalena defied the odds with a punishing performance, beating Belal Muhammad to become the new welterweight champion at UFC 315 in Montreal. It was an absolute war on Saturday night.
The Australian slugger, after a year-plus out of the cage, showed he only got better. He battered Muhammad with a striking arsenal that would have flattened most fighters. Yet, Muhammad absorbed the hits and kept coming back.
The difference? Damage. Della Maddalena dished out enough to secure a decision win, with judges scoring it 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in his favor.
“It feels f*cking good,” Della Maddalena exclaimed post-fight. He knew he had to be smart on his feet and acknowledged Muhammad’s pressure wrestling.
Facing someone like Belal, he had to stay sharp. “Belal’s the man, he’s a tough dude,” he added, celebrating the victory for Australia.
Muhammad, despite the loss, engaged in an incredible battle. He couldn’t keep up with Della Maddalena’s striking prowess.
Early on, Della Maddalena established a slick lead jab. Muhammad fired back with a well-timed overhand right. No takedowns, just kicks and punches.
With less than 90 seconds in the opening round, Muhammad turned to wrestling but abandoned it, opting for stiff punches instead.
On the restart, Della Maddalena threw power punches, catching Muhammad on the chin. Muhammad tried to stay standing, working his combinations.
By the third round, Della Maddalena was oozing confidence. Great head movement, stiff boxing combinations. Muhammad countered with power.
When Muhammad closed the distance, he connected with strikes. But Della Maddalena fired back, resisting takedown attempts.
Muhammad’s aggression continued, willing to trade bombs. The difference? A bit more volume from Muhammad, busier, aiming to drag Della Maddalena down.
After exchanging heavy blows, including a knee that cut Muhammad’s face, the champion secured a clean takedown. Yet, Della Maddalena exploded back to his feet.
With time running short, Della Maddalena blasted Muhammad with a devastating combo, ensuring he left Montreal with the welterweight title.
A stunning performance, but celebrations were brief. Next challenge? UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev, moving to 170 pounds.
“It’s a beautiful challenge,” Della Maddalena said about facing Makhachev. “He’s pound-for-pound No. 1. I’m going to get him back for [Alexander Volkanovski].”