UFC 315 saw Jack Della Maddalena upset Belal Muhammad to become the new welterweight champion, setting up potential superfights, while Valentina Shevchenko retained her flyweight title, leading to discussions about future matchups and reflections on Jose Aldo‘s career.
UFC 315 Recap
UFC 315 has wrapped up, crowning a new welterweight champion. Jack Della Maddalena shocked everyone with a unanimous decision win over Belal Muhammad in Montreal. This victory might set the stage for a superfight with lightweight champ Islam Makhachev. Imagine the ripple effect: Charles Oliveira vs. Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title could be next.
In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko retained her flyweight title against Manon Fiorot. Could a superfight with strawweight champ Zhang Weili be on the horizon? The excitement is palpable, with so much to discuss post-UFC 315.
Quick Takes on UFC 315
Heck: It was underrated on paper but exceeded expectations with a chaotic main event.
Lee: This is what a professional fighters league-quality event looks like—great fighters, high stakes, and a home-country crowd.
Meshew: Not the best card ever, but it set up some intriguing future matchups.
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev: Is It Next?
Lee: Boring answer—yes. But it won’t be a boring fight.
Della Maddalena’s striking and takedown defense were impressive. How would they hold up against Makhachev? Intriguing, right? A new superstar could emerge if Della Maddalena pulls off another upset.
Heck: Should it happen? Yes. But I’m not betting on it just yet.
Why? It wasn’t announced after the main event. Dana White could’ve dropped the news anytime, but he didn’t. So, maybe Makhachev vs. Topuria is still the plan.
Meshew: It’s definitely next. Why would Islam accept anything else? He’s the top pound-for-pound fighter, and the new champ wants it.
If the UFC wasn’t okay with it, they’d have shut it down by now. But they didn’t. So, this fight is happening.
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili: Excitement Level?
Heck: Extremely excited. The women’s divisions need a big spark.
It’s now or never for this fight. Zhang wants to move up to 125. Let’s make it happen and let the contenders battle it out for future shots.
Lee: Pretty excited, but more for Natalia Silva’s shot.
Silva could beat Shevchenko with her striking style. She’s got charisma and skill. Plus, I still want to see Zhang fight Virna Jandiroba.
Meshew: Pumped! Shevchenko and Zhang are two of the greatest female fighters ever.
This fight is huge, second only to a Nunes vs. Harrison matchup. Let’s do it.
Remembering Jose Aldo’s Career
Heck: The greatest featherweight ever, but seemed regretful about re-signing with the UFC.
After a tough loss to Merab Dvalishvili, Aldo retired from MMA, eyeing boxing. Yet, he returned, and it wasn’t easy to watch him fight lesser-known opponents.
Lee: In his prime, Aldo was a master of martial arts.
He made me love this sport. His WEC days were like being in on a secret. And he didn’t disappoint in the UFC.
Meshew: The greatest featherweight, one of the top fighters ever, and a defensive genius.
Aldo’s career was meaningful to me, and his final act was impressive. He might return for a proper sendoff—Aldo vs. Patricio Pitbull in Rio, anyone?
Best Moment of UFC 315
Meshew: Jose Aldo’s soccer kick. Enough said.
Lee: As a Canadian, I have to salute Mike Malott.
His fight with Charles Radtke had the crowd buzzing. Malott’s win and post-fight promo were perfect.
Heck: Jasmine Jasudavicius dominating Jessica Andrade.
Jasudavicius is a prodigy, making waves quickly. She’s ready for top contenders next.
Poll Results: Who Should Jack Della Maddalena Fight Next?
The fans have spoken. Shavkat Rakhmonov leads the poll with 46%, followed by Islam Makhachev at 42%. Other contenders trail behind, but the excitement for future matchups is undeniable.