Jack Della Maddalena is gearing up to challenge welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. With a 17- 2 overall, and an undefeated 7-0 UFC record, the No. 5-ranked Australian is confident he can outshine Muhammad, who holds a 24-3 record and a 10-fight win streak after defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July 2024. Della Maddalena secured this title shot when injuries sidelined top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Della Maddalena shared his detailed plan, expressing respect for Muhammad’s career while asserting his own MMA prowess will lead to victory.
The Stakes
UFC 315’s main event pits Belal Muhammad, a wrestler who won the title against Edwards, against Jack Della Maddalena, a striker with five UFC performance bonuses. Della Maddalena grabbed this title shot when Rakhmonov’s injury opened the door. The winner will rule the welterweight division.
Della Maddalena’s Strategy
Della Maddalena acknowledges Muhammad’s strengths but believes he holds the edge. He said:
“He’s good at winning. So he’ll revert back to just trying to win. Obviously, I don’t underestimate his striking, but I think I can get him on the feet and on the ground. I think I’m a better MMA fighter than him. I wouldn’t want to have a boxing match with him because I like MMA. I like the rule set. I like kicking. Kicking him and elbow him.”
He plans to capitalize on MMA’s full ruleset, using kicks and elbows alongside punches to outstrike Muhammad.
Describing Muhammad’s striking, he noted:
“I think his striking, it’s fast. He has a fast, awkward striking style. So it’s effective. Obviously, he’s not a very damaging guy just because he doesn’t put all his weight behind his shots. It seems like he just snaps them out there fast. He can touch you and then get on your hips so he’s a well-rounded guy. Obviously the fight starts on the feet so I think he’ll come out and dip his toes a little bit. If he’s feeling comfortable, and his fast little flicking hands he thinks are landing, he might stay on the feet a little bit. When he starts feeling uncomfortable, I think that’s when you see him start to revert back to his bread and butter.”
Della Maddalena anticipates Muhammad will shift to wrestling when his quick punches lose effectiveness.
To counter Muhammad’s takedowns, Della Maddalena is focused on defense, stating:
“I think I can stop the takedown. I’m comfortable on my back, and I think sometimes that’s not good for [MMA], it sometimes works to my detriment. Stop the takedown is what I need to do. I think that makes the fight easier for me. If it hits the [ground], I’ve got ways of getting up. I’ll be able to attack him off my back but stopping the takedown will be the best route to victory. It will save me energy, and I can use that energy to bust him up.”
His knockout win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 299, despite early grappling, proves he can handle wrestlers, but he aims to stay standing to deliver powerful strikes.
Della Maddalena respects Muhammad’s accomplishments, saying:
“I respect the resume for sure. He has had a very good career. Obviously a hard working guy, he’s put a lot of wins together, which isn’t easy, especially at this sort of level of fighters he’s fighting. I respect it. No bad blood. I’m coming with vicious intentions. That’s the fight game.”
UFC 315 is Muhammad’s first title defense and Della Maddalena’s shot to become Australia’s next champion. This fight will shape the welterweight division with contenders waiting. Della Maddalena’s bold plan makes him a serious threat, ready to prove he’s the best.
