While Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena have generally maintained a respectful dynamic leading up to their fight, their latest interaction wasn`t without friction.
As Saturday`s main event welterweight title clash at UFC 315 in Montreal approaches, the two fighters appeared on stage to promote the bout. They exchanged some light verbal jabs before the traditional faceoff.
It was during this direct confrontation that the situation briefly became physical.
When Della Maddalena extended his fists towards the champion, Muhammad reacted by quickly swatting his arm away. This action visibly irritated the Australian challenger.
UFC CEO Dana White was quick to step in and ensure the encounter didn`t escalate further, successfully diffusing the tension swiftly.
Other faceoffs during the UFC 315 press conference unfolded without incident. However, Quebec`s own Aiemann Zahabi may have been somewhat surprised that his opponent, José Aldo, seemed to receive a notably warmer reception from the local crowd than he did.
Marcus Blakely