Australian fighter Jack Della Maddalena has claimed the UFC welterweight championship, defeating reigning champion Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision at UFC 315. The fight featured a climactic final round that left Muhammad bloodied following a knee strike from Della Maddalena.
Della Maddalena, originally from Perth and possessing a strong boxing background, effectively thwarted numerous takedown attempts from Muhammad, who is known for his superior wrestling. By largely keeping the fight on the feet, Della Maddalena secured his 18th professional victory in a row, ending Muhammad`s six-year undefeated streak.
Reflecting on the bout, Della Maddalena commented, “He brings the pressure. I knew I had to be sharp on my feet. I wanted to take him out of there. I was gunning for a finish but Belal is a tough dude.”
Looking ahead, the 28-year-old newly crowned champion expressed his desire to challenge lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who previously defeated Australian fighter Alexander Volkanovski.
“I think it`s a beautiful challenge. He`s the pound-for-pound No 1. I want to get him back for Volk,” Della Maddalena stated.Co-Main Event: Shevchenko Defends Flyweight Title
In the co-main event of the night, Kyrgyzstan`s Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her flyweight championship against Manon Fiorot. Shevchenko won via unanimous decision, handing Fiorot her first professional loss after twelve consecutive victories.
Shevchenko landed potent right hooks early in the fight, causing Fiorot`s nose to bleed in the first round. However, the French challenger recovered and utilized clinches against the cage throughout the second and third rounds to control the action.
Shevchenko regained momentum in the later rounds, escaping a body lock in the fourth and securing a knockdown. She finished the fifth round strongly with a spinning backfist and a superwoman punch, ultimately earning scores of 48-47 from all three judges.
