Belal Muhammad, the former UFC welterweight champion, faced a crushing setback on May 10, 2025, dropping his crown to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. The five-round clash, held at Bell Centre in Montreal, ended in a unanimous decision for the Australian challenger. Muhammad’s reign, which began in July 2024, concluded after one defense.
Hours after the defeat, Muhammad shared his thoughts on social media.
“Allah’s plan is the best plan,” Muhammad wrote. “Alhamdillah for everything. Thank you to all my supporters. I been here before and I’ll be back!” His words reflected faith and resolve to reclaim his spot.
Allahs plan is the best plan Alhamdillah for everything Thankyou to all my supporters I been here before and I’ll be back
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) May 11, 2025
The main event saw Muhammad, known for relentless pressure, engage Della Maddalena in a striking battle. Della Maddalena’s crisp boxing shone early, landing cleaner shots, though Muhammad rallied in rounds three and four. Judges scored it 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, crowning Della Maddalena the new king.
Muhammad, 36, entered UFC 315 with a 10-0, 1 no-contest streak since his 2019 loss to Geoff Neal. His July 2024 victory over Leon Edwards earned him the belt, a career pinnacle. The loss to Della Maddalena marked his first defeat in over six years.
Della Maddalena, now 18-2, extended his 17-fight win streak, showcasing elite striking. He outworked Muhammad on the feet, avoiding takedowns despite Muhammad’s wrestling reputation. The bout earned Fight of the Night honors for its intensity.
UFC 315, streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view, featured Valentina Shevchenko defending her flyweight belt against Manon Fiorot. Shevchenko won a gritty unanimous decision, landing a key knockdown. Other bouts included Aiemann Zahabi’s upset over Jose Aldo, prompting Aldo’s retirement.
Muhammad’s game plan leaned on boxing, a shift from his usual grappling-heavy style. He landed significant strikes but struggled to ground Della Maddalena, who countered effectively. The close scorecards showed Muhammad’s competitiveness despite the loss.
The event drew attention for its welterweight implications, with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev watching closely. Makhachev, Muhammad’s friend, plans to challenge Della Maddalena for the 170-pound belt. Muhammad’s defeat opens a path for this superfight.
Muhammad’s Resilience Shapes Next Steps
Muhammad’s career, now at 24-4 with 1 no-contest, reflects grit. He overcame early UFC setbacks, including losses to Alan Jouban and Geoff Neal, to become champion. His social media post signals a hunger to return stronger.
Before UFC 315, Muhammad proudly carried the Palestinian flag, representing his heritage. He confirmed the UFC’s support for this gesture after a brief profile glitch. His cultural pride remains a cornerstone of his identity.
Della Maddalena’s win shifts the welterweight landscape. He argues Makhachev deserves an immediate shot, potentially sidelining Shavkat Rakhmonov, who was injured for UFC 315. Muhammad’s next opponent could be Rakhmonov or Leon Edwards.
Fighters praised the main event’s quality. Randy Brown called it a “salute to both men,” while Terrance McKinney noted Muhammad’s striking surprised many. The bout’s back-and-forth nature earned widespread respect.
Muhammad’s path to the belt included wins over Edwards, Sean Brady, and Gilbert Burns. His durability, with only one knockout loss in 2016, underscores his toughness. The Chicago native now faces a familiar challenge of rebuilding.
Edwards, who lost to Muhammad in 2024, seeks a rematch but faces a wait after his UFC London defeat. Muhammad’s earlier jab, saying Edwards waits “three long years,” adds spice to their rivalry. A trilogy could loom if both rebound.
Ian Machado Garry, UFC 315’s backup fighter, predicted Muhammad’s retention but now eyes Della Maddalena. Garry’s praise for Muhammad’s pressure style highlights the ex-champion’s skill. Muhammad’s next bout will test his recovery.
