Jack Della Maddalena is looking forward to a striking contest when he faces Belal Muhammad, although he suspects the fight might not unfold as a stand-up battle.
Della Maddalena, an Australian fighter known for his powerful striking, will challenge Muhammad for the welterweight title in the main event of UFC 315, scheduled for May 10 in Montreal, Canada. Della Maddalena is on an impressive winning streak of 17 fights, having recovered from two early career losses and secured numerous knockout victories.
Muhammad`s reputation is built more on his grappling and control than exciting striking exchanges. Because of this, Della Maddalena suggests that fans might witness a less thrilling fight if Muhammad dictates the style.
“There’s no doubt his fighting style is boring,” Della Maddalena commented in an interview with Fox Sports Australia. “He’s effective at controlling opponents and securing wins, credit to him. Georges St-Pierre also received criticism for a perceived boring style, simply because he was superior across all areas. He could neutralize strikers and out-grapple grapplers. So, you have to respect his approach.”
“I definitely find his style boring, but winning is clearly his top priority, and fair enough, but I believe I can defeat him. I’m the more dangerous fighter, without a doubt, and I aim to not just win the world title, but to win it decisively and with an exciting finish.”
Muhammad captured the welterweight title at UFC 304 in July, winning a decision over Leon Edwards by utilizing a dominant grappling strategy. While Muhammad has shown he can strike, he typically prefers to control his opponents on the ground rather than engage in prolonged striking exchanges.
Della Maddalena hopes Muhammad will consider engaging in striking, at least initially, when they fight.
“I think he’ll test the waters with striking, but then he might conclude that securing a win is the priority,” Della Maddalena speculated. “He’s clearly competitive, so he`ll try striking, but if he gets hurt, I anticipate he’ll revert to what he sees as the most reliable and easiest path to victory.”
Very few fighters reach the level of world champion with a one-dimensional skillset, so Della Maddalena is not dismissing any aspect of Muhammad’s abilities. However, he is confident in his advantage in a striking battle.
“I think he is quick,” Della Maddalena stated. “I wouldn’t describe his striking as dangerous. He’s definitely fast, but I don’t perceive his striking as a major threat. His speed is an asset, and the threat of his takedown attempts likely enhances his striking.”
