This is a recap of the main event bout between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, which took place on Saturday night.
The fight was held on May 10th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It featured Belal Muhammad (24-4, 1 NC) competing against Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) in the card`s headliner.
Here is a round-by-round description of the fight:
Round 1
The referee for this main event contest was Jason Herzog.
As anticipated, Della Maddalena pressed forward immediately, testing Muhammad with his jab and landing a right hand. Muhammad responded with a good jab and connected with a big overhand right. They exchanged jabs, and Della Maddalena landed a glancing right and flicked out a head kick. The challenger landed a straight right down the middle and an outside leg kick.
Della Maddalena connected with a left hand and appeared to be taking the round. With about 90 seconds remaining, Muhammad attempted his first takedown, which Della Maddalena successfully defended, though Muhammad landed a punch afterwards. Muhammad landed a good jab followed by a right hand, then attacked the body. They traded heavy punches, and Della Maddalena landed a hard uppercut that Muhammad absorbed.
MMA Fighting`s score for Round 1: 10-9 for Della Maddalena.
Round 2
Muhammad`s jab helped him stay out of danger early. He landed a right hand. Della Maddalena remained patient but allowed Muhammad to score. The champion increased his activity.
Muhammad threw a quick 1-2. Della Maddalena landed a right hand as Muhammad circled away. Muhammad displayed good hand speed. Della Maddalena landed a lead right hand and another good right. Muhammad ripped a kick to the body.
Muhammad landed a step-in uppercut. He engaged in striking with Della Maddalena, but Della Maddalena seemed a step ahead on the feet. Della Maddalena punched the body, and Muhammad answered with a body kick. Muhammad landed a sneaky right.
Muhammad changed levels for a takedown attempt around the same time as in the first round. Della Maddalena stuffed it, maintaining perfect takedown defense so far.
Della Maddalena landed a short left and punched the body, but Muhammad made him pay with a stiff right. Della Maddalena landed a straight left. Muhammad jabbed him, and they traded shots. Della Maddalena attempted a wild spin kick.
MMA Fighting`s score for Round 2: 10-9 Della Maddalena. Overall: 20-18 Della Maddalena.
Round 3
Della Maddalena set the pace with an accurate low kick and a jab, landing a significant right hand as Muhammad backed towards the fence. The champion responded with several good punches and a jab.
Della Maddalena threw several jabs, inviting a reaction from Muhammad. Muhammad landed a good jab and a 1-2, looking effective on his feet. Della Maddalena`s jab also scored. Muhammad`s striking defense appeared questionable at times.
Della Maddalena landed another right. Muhammad wasn`t ineffective on the feet, but his limited takedown attempts were noted as puzzling. Muhammad pressed forward but walked into a Della Maddalena straight punch, then a left hook. Della Maddalena landed a couple more straight lefts. Muhammad pressed late and attempted a takedown in the final seconds, which Della Maddalena surprisingly reversed into his own attempt.
MMA Fighting`s score for Round 3: 10-9 Della Maddalena. Overall: 30-27 Della Maddalena.
Round 4
Muhammad attempted to pressure but again took a right hand. He landed a left hook. Della Maddalena landed a tough combination. Muhammad landed a 1-2. Della Maddalena caught Muhammad with a right hook as he circled. Muhammad got inside and landed an uppercut while attempting a takedown, but Della Maddalena maintained balance.
Both fighters exchanged blows, and Muhammad absorbed many clean punches. Muhammad secured a takedown attempt and finally got Della Maddalena down to a knee, landing a well-timed knee himself. Della Maddalena used methodical grappling defense to return to his feet and turn Muhammad against the fence.
Muhammad landed a head kick, then a good jab. He had the volume, but Della Maddalena seemed to land the harder shots consistently. Scorecards could potentially be debated.
Della Maddalena stuffed another takedown attempt. Muhammad went for a body lock, but Della Maddalena broke free. Muhammad landed a jab, but Della Maddalena countered with a right.
MMA Fighting`s score for Round 4: 10-9 Della Maddalena. Overall: 40-36 Della Maddalena.
Round 5
Although the scorecard appeared wide, three of the rounds were assessed as close. Della Maddalena couldn`t be certain of victory, and Muhammad needed a strong finish for a potential decision win or a stoppage.
Muhammad displayed impressive cardio by constantly pressing forward, but Della Maddalena continued to land strikes. This pressure wasn`t proving effective.
Della Maddalena landed two more punches, but Muhammad connected with a right hand that visibly affected Della Maddalena. Muhammad went for a deep shot and finally secured an effective top position in half guard as Della Maddalena scrambled.
Muhammad inflicted significant damage from top position before Della Maddalena managed to work back to his feet with just over two minutes remaining. The fight returned to striking.
Della Maddalena landed a lead elbow, and when Muhammad wasn`t deterred, he landed another. A left hand landed accurately for Della Maddalena, who appeared to be seeking a finish. Muhammad was forced to clinch to slow the attack.
Muhammad executed a big throw, but Della Maddalena continued fighting and scrambling back to his feet. Muhammad landed punches as Della Maddalena rose. It was a wild final round.
Della Maddalena kept throwing punches, seeking a finish, highlighting Muhammad`s remarkable durability.
MMA Fighting`s score for Round 5: 10-9 Della Maddalena. Overall: 50-45 Della Maddalena.
