Upcoming UFC 315 Battle: Welterweight title contender Muhammad squares off against Della Maddalena, while Shevchenko engages Fiorot in the Women's Flyweight co-main event.
Canada welcomes back the UFC for their 35th event, heading to Montreal for a card filled with two title fights and some familiar faces. The headliner sees Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad taking on Jack Della Maddalena, while Valentina Shevchenko defends her Women's Flyweight strap against Manon Fiorot.
Main Event Breakdown: Belal Muhammad vs Jack Della Maddalena
Belal Muhammad, a criticized fighter for his wrestling-heavy style, makes his first title defense against Jack Della Maddalena after defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 305. Moving past an initial setback, Della Maddalena enters the octagon with a 17-fight win-streak and impressive UFC record of seven straight victories.
Stylistic Analysis
Muhammad is known for his relentless grappling and cardio, utilizing his grappling to control the pace of the fight and wear down opponents. Della Maddalena, on the other hand, excels in striking and boxing, with a reputation for calm and precise technique during stand-up exchanges. He also possesses impressive finishing abilities, having secured five UFC victories via knockout.
Key Factors
- Youth vs. Experience: With many years between them, Muhammad brings veteran wisdom to the fight, while Della Maddalena brings a youthful intensity and hunger to prove himself in the welterweight division.
- Striking vs. Grappling: Della Maddalena's crisp boxing could spell trouble for Muhammad if he struggles to close the distance, while Muhammad's grappling may disrupt Della Maddalena's rhythm and prefered striking game.
- Heart and Durability: Both fighters have shown incredible resilience in overcoming adversity during their matches.
Co-Main Event: Valentina Shevchenko vs Manon Fiorot
After a trilogy against Alexa Grasso and regaining the Women's Flyweight title, Shevchenko aims to re-establish her dominance against challenger Manon Fiorot, a young and aggressive contender looking to make a name for herself.
Stylistic Analysis
Shevchenko is a precision striker with exceptional fight IQ and a history of controlling the pace of the fight. Fiorot, on the other hand, showcases her versatility as a striker and willingness to engage in the clinch or on the ground, making her a well-rounded contender.
Key Factors
- Experience vs. Youthful Aggression: Shevchenko's championship experience faces off against Fiorot's determination and athleticism.
- Technical Striking vs. Versatility: Shevchenko's precision and timing may hold an edge, but Fiorot's ability to mix up her attacks could create problems for the champion.
Event Predictions: The Rest of the Card
The remaining UFC 315 main fights feature Jose Aldo facing local hero Aiemann Zahabi, a legacy fight that Aldo is likely to win via decision. The night starts with Benoit Saint-Denis taking on Kyle Prepolec, with the Frenchman holding the advantage due to his full training camp and better recent form. Alexa Grasso faces Natalia Silva in a title eliminator, with Silva's dangerous striking potentially earning her a victory, possibly by stoppage.
- Despite criticism for his wrestling-heavy style, Belal Muhammad is preparing for his first title defense in the UFC, facing Jack Della Maddalena at their 35th event in Montreal.
- Della Maddalena, with a win-streak of 17 fights and seven consecutive UFC victories, is eager to make a name for himself in the welterweight division.
- In terms of style, Muhammad is known for his relentless grappling and cardio, while Della Maddalena excels in striking and boxing with impressive finishing abilities.
- The main event pits youth against experience, with the age difference between the two fighters providing an interesting dynamic.
- Striking versus grappling could also play a key role in the outcome of the fight, as Della Maddalena's boxing might present problems for Muhammad if he struggles to close the distance.
- In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko, a precision striker with exceptional fight IQ, will look to defend her Women's Flyweight title against aggressive challenger Manon Fiorot.
- Fiorot's versatility as a striker and willingness to engage in clinch or ground battles make her a formidable opponent for Shevchenko, and her dangerous striking might even earn her a victory by stoppage in this title fight.
