The upcoming UFC 315 event features Belal Muhammad`s initial defense of his welterweight championship against Jack Della Maddalena. While this is a significant moment for Muhammad, many fans are already anticipating potential future matchups, such as a title unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall or a clash between Sean O`Malley and Ilia Topuria. These highly anticipated prospects admittedly overshadow Della Maddalena`s challenge, despite his deserving shot.
The consensus true top contender at 170 pounds remains Shavkat Rakhmonov, who has unfortunately been unable to face Muhammad twice now due to various circumstances (Muhammad`s foot infection, Rakhmonov`s injury). Thus, UFC 315 sets the stage for potential future title contenders or even superfights depending on the outcomes.
Beyond the main event, the main card features several intriguing matchups. Valentina Shevchenko, a dominant force in the flyweight division, is unusually positioned as the underdog against challenger Manon Fiorot. Legendary Jose Aldo continues his recent activity against Aiemann Zahabi. A key flyweight contender bout pits Alexa Grasso against Natalia Silva. And Benoit Saint Denis aims to rebound from recent losses against short-notice opponent Kyle Prepolec.
Main Card Predictions
Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena
Jack Della Maddalena is a compelling challenger with undeniable power, offering a puncher`s chance in this matchup. However, his ability to keep the fight standing, crucial for his success, is questionable. The likely scenario involves Muhammad utilizing just enough striking to close distance before initiating his grappling attack – seeking takedowns, clinches against the fence, and body locks to bring the fight to the canvas.
Despite Della Maddalena`s efforts, a takedown seems highly probable, even inevitable, given his past struggles with takedown defense, even in fights he`s won. Preventing Muhammad from controlling him for 25 minutes appears to be a significant challenge. Furthermore, Della Maddalena`s lack of experience in fights extending beyond three rounds raises questions about his endurance in a championship distance bout. The prediction favors Muhammad to retain his title, setting up potential future blockbusters.
Pick: Muhammad
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Manon Fiorot
Valentina Shevchenko finds herself in the unusual position of underdog against Manon Fiorot, a status that many find surprising given her legendary status. While age is a factor in combat sports, Shevchenko`s success relies less on raw athleticism and more on her exceptional technical skill, strategic intelligence, and vast experience – attributes that tend to hold up well over time. Her adaptability and game planning, as seen in her previous fights, are hallmarks of a high-IQ fighter.
Fiorot certainly poses significant threats, including her size advantage, which could complicate Shevchenko`s typical grappling approaches like takedowns and throws. Fiorot is also a confident and effective striker, known for her forward pressure and powerful left hand, capable of potentially changing the fight`s complexion quickly. However, the prediction leans towards Shevchenko delivering another dominant performance, cementing her legacy as arguably the greatest female fighter in MMA history.
Pick: Shevchenko
Jose Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi
Jose Aldo`s recent weight-making drew some attention, though he technically made the adjusted featherweight limit for his bout against Aiemann Zahabi. Concerns about Aldo`s appearance at weigh-ins are not new, and he is expected to be well-rehydrated and near optimal form come fight night, even at 38. Few fighters possess the willingness or technical prowess to consistently trade strikes with Aldo, who remains one of the most formidable stand-up fighters in the sport`s history.
Zahabi is a sharp competitor, but matching Aldo`s unique blend of aggression, timing, and defensive skill will be a significant challenge. While the reasoning for booking the legendary Aldo against current contenders rather than in more “legends” bouts is debatable, he undeniably still presents a tough test for most fighters in the division. The prediction favors Aldo securing a victory by decision.
Pick: Aldo
Alexa Grasso vs. Natalia Silva
The matchup between Alexa Grasso and Natalia Silva is arguably the most difficult main card bout to predict. Grasso`s performance in her recent trilogy fight against Valentina Shevchenko was notably off, leading to speculation about whether Shevchenko simply holds a significant advantage, if Grasso`s wrestling defense is a persistent weakness, or if it was simply an uncharacteristic bad night. Regardless, the betting odds reflect a lean towards Silva, who seems poised to potentially leapfrog Grasso in the contender picture.
Silva, known as “Natty Ice,” is a formidable striker. While Grasso is also a skilled boxer, matching Silva`s consistent volume and striking accuracy appears to be a tough ask. Grasso may attempt offensive wrestling to disrupt Silva`s rhythm, but securing a win primarily through that route seems unlikely, perhaps only postponing the inevitable. Silva has consistently risen to the occasion against increasing levels of competition, and while this is her most significant test yet, she is predicted not to falter. Silva is favored to win, positioning herself for a future title opportunity.
Pick: Silva
Benoit Saint Denis vs. Kyle Prepolec
While an upset victory for Kyle Prepolec seems improbable, he is expected to make Benoit Saint Denis work hard for the win. Prepolec, stepping in on short notice, is not merely content with the opportunity; he genuinely believes he can secure the victory. Saint Denis, following a impressive streak of finishes that positioned him as a potential contender, has recently faced setbacks with losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano.
This puts Saint Denis at a critical juncture, raising questions about his current trajectory – is he a still-developing talent or has his progress been hindered? This fight offers insights into his path forward. Despite Prepolec`s toughness and likelihood of starting aggressively, the talent disparity is significant. Saint Denis is predicted to secure the win, though Prepolec is expected to deliver a game performance, potentially contributing to a “Fight of the Night” contender.
Pick: Saint Denis
Preliminary Card Predictions
- Mike Malott def. Charles Radtke
- Modestas Bukauskas def. Ion Cutelaba
- Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Jessica Andrade
- Navajo Stirling def. Ivan Erslan
- Bruno Silva def. Marc-Andre Barriault
- Jeong Yeong Lee def. Daniel Santos
- Bekzat Almakhan def. Brad Katona
