Belal Muhammad is heading into the UFC 315 main event with supreme confidence, declaring that he’ll beat Jack Della Maddalena at his own game. The reigning welterweight champion, who captured the belt with a dominant performance against Leon Edwards, has built his reputation on relentless pressure and well-rounded skills.
But when he steps into the Octagon at Bell Centre in Montreal on May 10, he plans to prove a point, by keeping the fight standing. Muhammad is determined to showcase his striking, vowing to outbox Della Maddalena without relying on his grappling. With the spotlight of a pay-per-view headliner on him, he’s eager to demonstrate that he’s the best boxer in the UFC’s 170-pound division.
Despite his striking confidence and the backing of bookmakers with UFC betting Canada platforms like Betano seeing the Montreal fight at UFC 315 going only one way with Muhammad priced as heavy favorite, the American isn’t underestimating Della Maddalena’s durability.
The Australian standout has proven his resilience, notably surviving tough moments against Gilbert Burns. Muhammad acknowledges his opponent’s pressure-heavy style but believes he’ll be the one dictating the pace. In his view, when two pressure fighters collide, the one who pushes harder forces the other to retreat. Muhammad is convinced that won’t be him. As he prepares for battle in Canada, the champion is making it clear: he won’t just win – he’ll put on a striking clinic.
Why Belal Muhammad is the Favorite
Belal Muhammad is the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion. Born in Chicago to Palestinian parents, he wrestled in high school before briefly pursuing law at the University of Illinois. However, his passion for fighting led him to an MMA career, where he made his professional debut in 2012. After capturing the Titan FC welterweight title, he joined the UFC in 2016.
Known for his relentless pace, elite grappling, and ever-improving striking, Muhammad has built an impressive résumé. He boasts wins over top contenders like Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and Gilbert Burns. His dominance culminated in a title-winning performance against Leon Edwards at UFC 304, where he outstruck and outwrestled the former champion.
On the other hand, Aussie Jack Della Maddalena is a rising star, known for his crisp boxing, knockout power, and ability to handle adversity. A former rugby player, he transitioned to MMA, earning a UFC contract in 2021 and quickly climbing the rankings with dominant stoppage victories.
His TKO win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 299 showcased his resilience, as he survived multiple takedowns before landing a fight-ending knee. However, against Belal Muhammad, Della Maddalena faces a relentless grappler who thrives on control and endurance.
While his striking is elite, many doubt whether he can stop Muhammad’s pressure over five rounds. If he can keep the fight standing, he’s a real threat, but against an opponent as disciplined and suffocating as Muhammad, the odds are stacked against him.
A Chance to Cement a Legacy
UFC 315’s main event promises a clash of styles, with Muhammad’s relentless pressure meeting Della Maddalena’s sharp striking.
While the Australian underdog has the power to turn the tide, Muhammad’s experience, durability, and strategic discipline make him the clear favorite. If he delivers on his promise to dominate the stand-up game, this victory could cement his legacy as the UFC’s most well-rounded welterweight champion.
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