Belal Muhammad`s postponed title defense at UFC 315 has created uncertainty across three weight classes. He was originally set to face Shavkat Rakhmonov, but an infection led to the cancellation of that bout. Now, his opponent is Jack Della Maddalena. There`s also active discussion about the possibility of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev moving up to welterweight. Experts from MMA Fighting weigh in on how the outcomes of UFC 315 will influence these scenarios, as well as the situation in the women`s flyweight division.
MMA Fighting Experts Discuss Key Outcomes at UFC 315
Question: Does a Belal Muhammad win help or hurt the UFC`s plans?
Alexander K. Lee: I favor chaos, so I believe Jack Della Maddalena needs to win. This would trigger a chain reaction: Islam Makhachev could move up to welterweight, Ilia Topuria could contend for the vacant lightweight title, and eventually Islam could return to face Topuria.
Mike Heck: I think Belal winning and keeping his title is a more probable and, in its own way, interesting outcome. Belal is underrated. I`m keen to see how his title defenses might unfold against fighters like Rakhmonov or Garry. In the lightweight division, Islam still has many formidable opponents, such as Arman Tsarukyan.
Jed Meshew: The most favorable outcome for the UFC is improbable: Belal wins but immediately relinquishes the title to move up to middleweight. Belal is an excellent fighter but not the most heavily promoted champion. His departure would enable the UFC to book an exciting fight between Islam and Shavkat Rakhmonov for the vacant welterweight title.
Question: Who is the next contender for the women`s flyweight title?
Jed Meshew: Most likely, it will be the winner of the Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber fight. They are more recognizable fighters and are headlining an event, suggesting they are closer to a title opportunity.
Alexander K. Lee: Natalia Silva, if she defeats Alexa Grasso. She`s a fresh face with genuine potential to challenge Valentina Shevchenko or even overcome her. I prefer champions defending their titles against the best within their division rather than pursuing superfights with fighters from other weight classes.
Mike Heck: Regardless, I believe Zhang Weili will be next. The window for organizing that superfight with Shevchenko is closing. Natalia Silva, if she beats Grasso, can become a very significant contender in the division, even if she has to await her turn.
Question: Who should we keep an eye on at UFC 315?
Jed Meshew: Jose Aldo. Despite questionable matchmaking (against Ayman Zahabi), Aldo is an all-time great fighter with incredible longevity. He continues to perform at a high level. Meshew feels the UFC mishandled Aldo towards the end of his career and that he deserves a title shot, potentially even replacing Sean O`Malley against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316.
Alexander K. Lee: Jasmine Jasudavicius. A Canadian athlete, she`s a late bloomer but has delivered impressive results, including a win over Mayra Bueno Silva. Fighting Jessica Andrade represents a significant step for her. She could emerge as a serious title contender for Canada.
Marcus Blakely