Belal Muhammad faced Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315 on May 10 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This highly anticipated welterweight clash was broadcast live on pay-per-view.
Round 1
Referee Jason Herzog oversaw the main event. Della Maddalena advanced early, testing Muhammad with jabs and landing a glancing right. Muhammad responded with his own effective jab and a big overhand right. Muhammad landed a straight left and Della Maddalena threw a head kick. Della Maddalena connected with a right hand down the middle and an outside leg kick. Della Maddalena landed another left, appearing to take control of the round. With just under 90 seconds left, Muhammad attempted his first takedown, which Della Maddalena successfully defended, though Muhammad landed a punch on the break. Muhammad followed with a good jab, right hand, and body shots. They exchanged blows, and Della Maddalena landed a hard uppercut that Muhammad absorbed.
Round 2
Muhammad`s jab kept him safe early, landing a right hand. Della Maddalena remained patient, allowing Muhammad to increase his activity and land a quick 1-2. Della Maddalena landed a right hand as Muhammad circled away. Muhammad showed good hand speed, while Della Maddalena landed a lead right and another good right. Muhammad ripped a kick to the body. Muhammad landed a step-in uppercut, engaging in the striking challenge, but Della Maddalena seemed slightly ahead. Della Maddalena punched the body, Muhammad answered with a body kick, and landed a sneaky right. Muhammad attempted a takedown similar to round 1, but Della Maddalena`s defense held firm. Della Maddalena landed a short left and punched the body, but Muhammad countered with a stiff right. Della Maddalena landed a straight left, and they traded shots before Della Maddalena attempted a wild spin kick.
Round 3
Della Maddalena started with an accurate low kick and a jab. A big right hand landed for Della Maddalena as Muhammad backed to the fence. Muhammad responded with good punches and a jab. Della Maddalena jabbed, daring Muhammad to act. Muhammad landed a good jab and a 1-2, looking sharp standing. Della Maddalena`s jab also scored, and Muhammad`s striking defense seemed tested. Another right landed for Della Maddalena. Muhammad pressed forward but walked into a straight punch, a left hook, and a couple of straight lefts from Della Maddalena. Muhammad pressured and attempted a late takedown, but Della Maddalena reversed and attempted one himself as the round ended.
Round 4
Muhammad pressured again and took a right hand. He landed a left hook. Della Maddalena landed a stiff combination, testing Muhammad`s chin. Muhammad cracked him with a 1-2. Della Maddalena caught Muhammad with a right hook as he circled. Muhammad landed an uppercut inside and sought a takedown, but Della Maddalena maintained balance. They exchanged punches, and Muhammad absorbed several clean shots. Muhammad secured a takedown attempt, getting Della Maddalena to a knee and landing a well-timed knee. Della Maddalena methodically defended, working back to standing and turning Muhammad to the fence. Muhammad landed a head kick, then a good jab, showing volume. Della Maddalena consistently landed harder shots. Della Maddalena stuffed another takedown attempt and shook off a body lock. Muhammad landed a jab, but Della Maddalena answered with a counter right.
Round 5
Despite previous rounds being closely contested, Della Maddalena couldn`t be certain of victory, and Muhammad needed a strong finish. Muhammad maintained his high pressure, but Della Maddalena continued tagging him effectively. Della Maddalena landed two more punches, but Muhammad connected with a right hand that clearly affected him. Muhammad went for a deep shot and finally secured an effective top position in half guard. Muhammad landed significant strikes before Della Maddalena worked back to his feet with just over two minutes remaining. Della Maddalena landed a lead elbow, and another when Muhammad wasn`t deterred. He landed a clean left hand and looked for a finish, forcing Muhammad to clinch. Muhammad executed a big throw, but Della Maddalena continued fighting and scrambling, quickly returning to his feet while Muhammad punched away. Della Maddalena kept throwing, seeking the finish, but Muhammad showed incredible durability.
