Context:

Australia's Jack Della Maddalena emerged victorious against former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in Montreal, securing the welterweight title with a unanimous decision. Throughout the 25-minute bout, Della Maddalena defended against takedowns and outperformed with precise boxing combinations, despite a strong comeback attempt by Muhammad in the fourth round. This victory marks Della Maddalena's 18th consecutive win, showcasing his resilience after losing the first two fights of his professional career. Post-fight, he expressed interest in challenging lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, aiming to avenge his countryman Alex Volkanovski's losses to Makhachev. Makhachev, in turn, engaged in pre-fight banter through social media, signaling his readiness for the potential matchup.

Dive Deeper:

• Jack Della Maddalena claimed the welterweight title at UFC 315 in Montreal after defeating Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision, with scores of 48-47 twice and 49-46.

• Della Maddalena's performance was marked by effective defense against takedowns and sharp boxing, controlling the early rounds before Muhammad's vigorous fourth-round response.

• The victory represents Della Maddalena's 18th consecutive win, following a challenging start to his career with two initial losses, demonstrating his significant growth as a fighter.

• During the post-fight interview, Della Maddalena mentioned his strategy and determination to finish the fight strongly, acknowledging Muhammad's toughness and resilience.

• Della Maddalena expressed his desire to fight Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion, viewing it as an exciting challenge and a chance to redeem his compatriot Alex Volkanovski's defeats.

• Islam Makhachev responded to Della Maddalena's challenge on social media, engaging in trash talk and emphasizing his confidence and readiness for a potential bout.

• Tobey Lewis, an editorial intern, noted these developments while reflecting on his personal journey from high school rugby league to covering professional combat sports.

• Australia's Jack Della Maddalena has claimed the welterweight title in a bloodbath against former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in Montreal.

• The 28-year-old scored a unanimous decision victory (48-47 x2, 49-46), proving the oddsmakers wrong by defending takedowns and landing crisp boxing combinations throughout the 25 minutes.

• The Aussie controlled the early rounds before Muhammad valiantly fought back in the fourth, pressuring Della Maddalena to the cage and landing punches of his own.

• MORE: All the results and highlights from UFC 315

• This now marks his 18th consecutive victory after dropping the first two bouts of his professional career.

• After the decision was read, Daniel Cormier joined Della Maddalena in the octagon for a post-fight interview.

• "I looked up at the clock and saw 30 seconds left. I thought I was ahead but I wanted to keep pushing," he said.

• "I wanted to take him out of there, I was gunning for a late finish, but you know, Belal's the man, he's a tough dude, he's not easy to put away."

• When pressed about the potential move of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev up into the welterweight division, Della Maddalena was motivated to get that fight booked.

• "I think it's a beautiful challenge, he's pound-for-pound number one. I'm going to get him back for Volk," he said.

• In response, Makhachev, who claimed two victories over JDM's countryman Alex Volkanovski, took to social media to fire up the pre-fight trash talk:

• "Keep my belt clean," he posted.

• You are not Volk I will show you different level. Keep my belt clean https://t.co/gTplxCAXMY

• — Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025