Here is a detailed report and round-by-round breakdown from the main event clash between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, which took place on Saturday night.
The highly anticipated bout between Belal Muhammad (24-4, 1 NC) and Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) headlined UFC 315 on May 10th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The event was broadcast live on pay-per-view via ESPN+.
Official Result: Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad by Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Round 1
Jason Herzog served as the referee for the main event. As expected, Della Maddalena immediately advanced, using his jab to test Muhammad. He landed a glancing right hand. Muhammad responded with a good jab, and the fighters exchanged jabs. Muhammad connected with a notable overhand right.
Muhammad landed a straight left. Della Maddalena attempted a head kick that drew a reaction. The challenger then scored with a straight right down the middle, followed by an outside leg kick.
Della Maddalena landed a left hand and appeared to be taking the round. With under 90 seconds left, Muhammad initiated his first takedown attempt, which Della Maddalena successfully defended. Muhammad managed to land a punch during the exchange. Muhammad then connected with a good jab and a right hand, and also attacked the body. As they traded heavy blows, Della Maddalena landed a powerful uppercut that Muhammad somehow absorbed.
MMA Fighting scored the round 10-9 for Della Maddalena.
Round 2
Muhammad`s jab helped him control distance early. He landed a right hand. Della Maddalena remained patient, allowing Muhammad to score points, though the champion showed an increased level of activity.
Muhammad landed a quick 1-2 combination. Della Maddalena connected with a right hand as Muhammad circled away. Muhammad displayed good hand speed. Della Maddalena landed a lead right, followed by another effective right hand. Muhammad landed a strong body kick.
Muhammad landed a step-in uppercut, indicating his willingness to stand and strike, although Della Maddalena seemed slightly ahead in the exchanges. Della Maddalena attacked the body with punches, and Muhammad countered with a body kick. Muhammad also landed a subtle right hand.
Muhammad attempted a takedown at a similar point in the round as the first, a potential tactical move. Della Maddalena successfully defended, maintaining perfect takedown defense thus far.
Della Maddalena landed a short left. He punched the body, but Muhammad countered effectively with a strong right. Della Maddalena landed a straight left. They traded jabs and other strikes. Della Maddalena attempted a wild spinning kick.
MMA Fighting scored the round 10-9 for Della Maddalena. Overall, 20-18 for Della Maddalena.
Round 3
Della Maddalena set the pace with an accurate low kick and a jab. He landed a significant right hand as Muhammad backed against the fence. The champion responded with several good punches, followed by a jab.
Della Maddalena flicked out multiple jabs, seemingly inviting Muhammad to engage. Muhammad landed a good jab. A 1-2 combination from Muhammad showed improved striking, but Della Maddalena’s jab also continued to score effectively. Muhammad`s striking defense appeared vulnerable at this stage.
Della Maddalena landed another right hand. While Muhammad was not ineffective on the feet, his lack of takedown attempts was noticeable. Muhammad pressed forward but walked into a straight punch from Della Maddalena, who followed with a left hook and several straight lefts. Muhammad`s late pressure led to a takedown attempt in the final seconds, but in a strange turn, Della Maddalena reversed the position and went for a takedown himself as the round concluded.
MMA Fighting scored the round 10-9 for Della Maddalena, extending his lead to 30-27 overall.
Round 4
Muhammad attempted to apply pressure but was again met with a right hand. He landed a left hook. Della Maddalena landed a crisp combination that tested Muhammad’s chin. Muhammad responded with a 1-2. Della Maddalena caught a circling Muhammad with a right hook. Muhammad closed distance and landed an uppercut, attempting a takedown, but Della Maddalena’s strong balance kept him on his feet.
Both fighters exchanged strikes, with Muhammad absorbing several clean punches. Muhammad finally secured a takedown, bringing Della Maddalena to a knee. Muhammad landed a well-timed knee. Della Maddalena demonstrated disciplined grappling defense, working back to his feet and pinning Muhammad against the cage.
Muhammad landed a head kick and a good jab. While Muhammad maintained volume, Della Maddalena appeared to land the more powerful shots, suggesting potential scorecards might favor him.
Della Maddalena defended another takedown attempt. Muhammad attempted a body lock, but Della Maddalena broke free. Muhammad landed a jab, which Della Maddalena countered with a right hand.
MMA Fighting scored the round 10-9 for Della Maddalena, increasing his lead to 40-36 overall.
Round 5
Despite the perceived dominance on the scorecard, several rounds were contested closely. Della Maddalena could not be entirely certain of the win, and Muhammad still had an opportunity to influence the decision with a strong final round. A finish from either fighter would have removed any potential scoring ambiguity.
Muhammad showcased his impressive cardio by constantly pressing forward. However, Della Maddalena continued to land strikes, making Muhammad’s pressure less effective.
Della Maddalena landed two more punches, but Muhammad connected with a right hand that visibly affected Della Maddalena. Muhammad shot for a deep takedown. Della Maddalena attempted to scramble, but Muhammad successfully secured a dominant top position in half guard.
Muhammad inflicted damage from top position before Della Maddalena managed to return to his feet. With just over two minutes remaining, they resumed striking.
Della Maddalena landed a lead elbow. Muhammad seemed unfazed, prompting Della Maddalena to land another. Della Maddalena then landed a precise left hand, appearing to seek a finish. Muhammad was forced to clinch to survive the attack.
Muhammad executed a significant throw, but Della Maddalena continued to fight and scramble. Muhammad landed punches as Della Maddalena regained his feet in a chaotic final sequence.
Della Maddalena relentlessly pursued the finish, throwing punches. Muhammad’s remarkable durability was evident throughout the exchange.
MMA Fighting scored the round 10-9 for Della Maddalena, resulting in a final score of 50-45 for Della Maddalena on their card.
