UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is set to defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315 on May 10 2025 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Muhammad, ranked No. 1 in the division with a 24-3 record, confirmed he will walk to the octagon with the Palestine flag, a symbol of his heritage. The Chicago-born fighter, of Palestinian descent, has a 10-fight unbeaten streak, including a title-winning unanimous decision over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July 2024. Della Maddalena, ranked No. 3 with a 17-2 record, earned his title shot with a knockout over Gilbert Burns at UFC 299 in March 2024.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Muhammad said:
“100 percent [I’ll be walking out with the Palestine flag]. Yeah, we’ve talked about it, they accepted it and there’s nothing that’s gonna stop me from doing it. It just means the world and especially Will Harris just did a documentary after [the last fight I carried the flag] and it went into the Palestinian Film Festival over here in Chicago. So, it’s cool to see the exposure it’s getting for the people.”
This follows his flag display at UFC 304, which sparked attention after the UFC briefly removed it from his fighter profile before restoring it.
Why Is Muhammad’s Flag Significant?
Muhammad’s decision to carry the Palestine flag reflects his commitment to representing his Palestinian roots. After his UFC 304 win, a documentary by Will Harris featuring Muhammad’s flag walk was showcased at the Palestinian Film Festival in Chicago, amplifying its cultural impact. The UFC’s initial removal of the flag from his profile in March 2025 drew criticism, but Dana White confirmed its restoration, saying to Muhammad, “Bro, your flag’s coming right back up,”. Muhammad emphasized the flag’s importance for Palestinians, stating it gives his community a voice.
His opponent, Della Maddalena, is a striking specialist with four first-round UFC finishes. The Australian predicted a first-round finish, calling Muhammad’s style “boring,”. Muhammad countered, highlighting his superior cardio and plans to “outbox” Della Maddalena. The fight is a clash of styles, with Muhammad’s pressure and endurance facing Della Maddalena’s precision.
UFC 315 also features a co-main event with Cory Sandhagen facing Deiveson Figueiredo in bantamweight action
