Jack Della Maddalena delivered a punishing performance at UFC 315 in Montreal, overcoming Belal Muhammad in a five-round war to claim the UFC welterweight championship.
Despite over a year away from competition, the Australian fighter appeared sharper than ever, showcasing a devastating striking arsenal that battered Muhammad. While Della Maddalena landed powerful shots that might have stopped many opponents, Muhammad demonstrated incredible toughness, absorbing damage and continually pressing forward throughout the grueling five rounds.
Ultimately, Della Maddalena`s ability to inflict significant damage was the deciding factor, leading to a unanimous decision victory. The judges scored the contest 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in his favor.
Following the win, Della Maddalena expressed his satisfaction.
“It’s exactly how I thought it would feel. It feels f*cking good,” he stated, adding, “I knew I had to be smart on my feet. I should have been a bit sharper with the shots.”
He acknowledged Muhammad`s challenging style:
“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.”
Della Maddalena praised his opponent, saying, “Belal’s the man, he’s a tough dude,” and celebrated his victory for Australia.
Although not the outcome Muhammad desired, he participated in an incredible battle but ultimately couldn`t match Della Maddalena`s superior striking skills.
Della Maddalena`s striking advantage was evident early on, highlighted by his effective lead jab. Muhammad responded with a well-timed overhand right. With Muhammad showing little immediate threat of takedowns, Della Maddalena freely attacked with kicks to the legs and head. In the final 90 seconds of the opening round, Muhammad feinted a wrestling attempt but opted to land a couple of stiff punches before disengaging.
After the brief pause, Della Maddalena began throwing powerful right hands that repeatedly found Muhammad`s chin. Despite this, Muhammad appeared determined to stand and trade, attempting to initiate his own combinations. Entering the third round, Della Maddalena exuded confidence, showcasing excellent head movement while landing sharp boxing combinations. His effective jab consistently connected, though Muhammad countered with punches carrying more power.
When Muhammad managed to close the distance, he landed strikes, but Della Maddalena was quick to react and retaliate. Muhammad attempted a takedown from this position but again chose to exchange punches, with Della Maddalena landing counter shots. Muhammad maintained his aggression, but his willingness to trade heavy shots played into Della Maddalena`s hands, allowing the Australian to land significant blows in return. Muhammad slightly edged him in volume, staying busier while also attempting to secure takedowns.
Following an exchange of heavy blows on the feet, including a knee that opened a cut on Muhammad`s face, Muhammad secured his most successful takedown. However, he was unable to capitalize, and Della Maddalena quickly returned to his feet. As Muhammad continued to press forward, Della Maddalena landed a devastating combination that visibly rocked the Chicago fighter. Recognizing the dwindling time, Della Maddalena intensified his attack, ensuring he solidified the victory and left Montreal with the welterweight title.
It was undoubtedly a stunning performance from Della Maddalena, but attention quickly turned to his next potential challenge. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has indicated plans to move up to 170 pounds, seemingly targeting Della Maddalena now that his friend and teammate (referring to Alexander Volkanovski) is no longer the featherweight champion who previously challenged Makhachev.
Della Maddalena welcomed the prospect of facing Makhachev.
“I think it’s a beautiful challenge,” he stated, noting, “He’s pound-for-pound No. 1. I’m going to get him back for [Alexander Volkanovski].”
