UFC 315 lit up the Bell Centre on Saturday night, delivering an electric mix of title clashes, upsets, and breakout performances. Headlined by a tactical war between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and surging contender Jack Della Maddalena, the event kept fans on the edge of their seats from the first preliminary bout to the main event’s final bell.
🏆 Belal Muhammad Defends Welterweight Crown in Strategic Battle
Belal Muhammad showcased why he is one of the most cerebral fighters in the sport, neutralizing Jack Della Maddalena’s striking with precision footwork, wrestling pressure, and relentless cardio. The champion retained his title with a clear-cut unanimous decision, earning scores of 49-46 across the board.
Though Della Maddalena landed several clean shots, he struggled to stop Muhammad’s takedowns and constant clinch work. Muhammad’s game plan never wavered, and the crowd witnessed a masterclass in championship composure.
👑 Shevchenko Outpoints Fiorot in High-Stakes Co-Main
Valentina Shevchenko reaffirmed her dominance in the flyweight division, fending off a tough challenge from French contender Manon Fiorot. In a five-round technical striking affair, Shevchenko’s speed, timing, and octagon IQ proved too much, as she walked away with a unanimous decision (48-47 on all cards).
Fiorot had her moments, especially in rounds two and four, but Shevchenko’s kicks, counters, and cage control were decisive.
💥 Zahabi Shocks José Aldo in Return Bout
In one of the night’s biggest upsets, Canadian Aiemann Zahabi outdueled featherweight legend José Aldo in a gritty three-round battle. Zahabi, who fought in front of a roaring home crowd, used sharp boxing and movement to edge Aldo via unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
Aldo, making his return to action after a brief retirement, looked strong early but faded under Zahabi’s volume and persistence. The win is the biggest of Zahabi’s career and potentially signals a new era for the Tristar Gym product.
🚨 Natalia Silva Continues Streak with Win Over Grasso
Brazilian flyweight Natalia Silva extended her winning streak to 13 with a dominant decision win over former champ Alexa Grasso. Silva outclassed Grasso in all three rounds, using angles, slick footwork, and a diverse striking attack.
The judges had it 30-27 across the board, and Silva may now be next in line for a title shot.
🇫🇷 Saint Denis Delivers Submission Victory
French fan favorite Benoît Saint Denis kept his momentum alive by finishing Kyle Prepolec with a second-round arm-triangle choke. Prepolec, stepping in on short notice, looked game early but succumbed to Saint Denis’s relentless grappling pressure.
Saint Denis continues to climb the lightweight rankings with this statement win.
🥋 Prelims Bring Fireworks
The UFC 315 prelims were just as thrilling:
-
Mike Malott electrified the crowd with a second-round TKO of Charles Radtke, dropping him with a left hook and finishing with ground strikes.
-
Jasmine Jasudavicius stunned former champ Jessica Andrade with a first-round rear-naked choke, earning the biggest win of her career.
-
Modestas Bukauskas edged Ion Cutelaba in a razor-close split decision.
-
Navajo Stirling earned a decision win over Ivan Erslan in an all-action light heavyweight bout.
-
Marc-Andre Barriault delivered a brutal first-round KO of Bruno Silva.
-
Daniel Santos scored a shutout win against Jeong Yeong Lee.
-
Bekzat Almakhan opened the night with a devastating first-round knockout of Brad Katona.