Jack Della Maddalena defied expectations with a punishing display to defeat Belal Muhammad and capture the welterweight championship in a grueling battle that headlined UFC 315 in Montreal.
The Australian fighter, returning after over a year away, demonstrated significant improvement, battering Muhammad with a powerful striking attack that would likely have finished many opponents. However, Muhammad absorbed the heavy blows and relentlessly pressed forward, pushing Della Maddalena throughout the five rounds.
Ultimately, the volume and effectiveness of Della Maddalena`s striking proved decisive, earning him a victory by judges` decision with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.
After being crowned champion, Della Maddalena expressed his satisfaction: “It’s exactly how I thought it would feel. It feels f*cking good,” he stated. “I knew I had to be smart on my feet. I should have been a bit sharper with the shots.
He added about his opponent, “Coming in there against someone like Belal with that pressure wrestling, I knew I had to be smart. I thought I was ahead, I wanted to take him out of there. Belal’s the man, he’s a tough dude. Australia we got three of these babies let’s go!”
Though not the outcome Muhammad desired, he participated in a memorable contest but ultimately struggled to match Della Maddalena`s superior striking.
Della Maddalena`s striking advantage was evident from the start. He effectively used a sharp lead jab, while Muhammad responded with a well-timed overhand right. With Muhammad seemingly reluctant to attempt takedowns early, Della Maddalena mixed up his attack with kicks to the legs and strikes targeting the head.
In the final minute and a half of the first round, Muhammad initiated a wrestling attempt but opted out of the takedown, instead landing a few hard punches before creating distance.
After the break, Della Maddalena increased the power in his right hand, repeatedly connecting with Muhammad`s chin. Despite this, Muhammad continued to stand and trade, attempting to find success with his own combinations.
Entering the third round, Della Maddalena appeared increasingly confident, showcasing effective head movement and landing crisp boxing combinations. His jab consistently found its target, though Muhammad answered back with heavier punches.
When Muhammad managed to close the distance, he landed effectively, but Della Maddalena was quick to counter. Muhammad attempted to transition from these close exchanges into a takedown but often chose to continue striking, with Della Maddalena trading blows.
Muhammad`s aggression persisted, yet his willingness to trade heavy shots played into Della Maddalena`s hands. Muhammad maintained a slightly higher volume and continued to seek takedowns, but the effectiveness favored the Australian.
Following a series of heavy exchanges, including a knee that cut Muhammad, the champion finally secured his most successful takedown. However, he was unable to maintain control, and Della Maddalena quickly scrambled back to his feet.
As Muhammad continued advancing, Della Maddalena landed a powerful combination that visibly staggered the Chicago fighter. Recognizing the fight was winding down, Della Maddalena unleashed further strikes, ensuring he would depart Montreal with the welterweight championship.
This was a remarkable performance from Della Maddalena, but his focus quickly shifted to his likely next opponent: UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev. Makhachev intends to move up to the welterweight division now that his friend and training partner is no longer the champion.
Regarding a potential fight with Makhachev, Della Maddalena stated, “I think it’s a beautiful challenge. He’s pound-for-pound No. 1. I’m going to get him back for [Alexander Volkanovski].”
Marcus Blakely