Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena have generally shown mutual respect leading up to their clash, but things weren`t entirely friendly during their recent faceoff.
Ahead of their main event welterweight championship bout this Saturday at UFC 315 in Montreal, Muhammad and Della Maddalena appeared on stage to build anticipation for the fight. They exchanged mild verbal jabs before it was time for the traditional staredown.
It was during this faceoff that a brief physical interaction occurred.
When Della Maddalena extended his fists towards the champion, Muhammad responded by swatting his opponent`s arm away. This action visibly agitated the Australian challenger.
UFC CEO Dana White was quick to step between the fighters to prevent further escalation, and the situation was swiftly de-escalated.
Aside from that specific exchange, the other faceoffs at the UFC 315 press conference proceeded without incident. Notably, Quebec`s own Aiemann Zahabi might have been slightly taken aback that his opponent, the returning legend José Aldo, seemed to receive a warmer reception from the home crowd.
