UFC 315: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena: Live round-by-round updates
Belal Muhammad returns to action at UFC 315 for his first title defense, drawing a dangerous contender in Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena.
Muhammad has quietly built one of the most effective resumes in the sport. Eleven fights unbeaten, six straight wins, and a gas tank that is arguably one of the best on the roster. He suffocates fighters with pressure and always finds a way to shut down rhythm. His ability to blend takedowns with sharp boxing and tactical control has made him one of the most frustrating puzzles to solve at 170 pounds.
On the other side, Della Maddalena is a technician on the feet. Seven UFC wins, five finishes, and the kind of pressure boxing that forces mistakes. He’s got a slick jab, brutal bodywork, and underrated toughness. But he hasn’t faced a smothering style like Muhammad’s.
If Muhammad mixes ranges and controls the tempo, he could retain the title. If Della Maddalena keeps it standing and finds space to work, the gold may head to the land Down Under.
UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena airs Saturday, May 10. Early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the main card live at 10 p.m. ET on PPV.
Follow and stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live round-by-round coverage and event updates:
Round 1
Della Maddalena pressures Muhammad and opens with a jab to the body. Muhammad attacks the body with a solid kick. Inside leg kicks from Della Maddalena. Beautiful counter right-hand from Muhammad. Slow accumulation of the jabs from the Australian. Muhammad fires with a one-two combination that catches the attention of the challenger. Della Maddalena goes high with a left high kick and a straight left. Beautiful combination by the challenger. Left hand gets through for Della Maddalena, and Muhammad shoots for a takedown. He lands two punches on the break, but Della Maddalena maintains composure. Fiery exchange to close out the round.
Our Score: 10-9 Della Maddalena
Round 2
Della Maddalena's stance switches, seemingly bothering Muhammad. The Aussie is chopping down the lead leg and lands an overhand right. Muhammad is finding success from the southpaw stance, but he gets caught with a right hand. Muhammad lands an overhand right hand, but Della Maddalena is working the left kick masterfully. Della Maddalena has done a brilliant job of stuffing the takedowns. He's making Muhammad react, and the Aussie has been the better fighter so far. Good head movement, and he's chopping the body. Muhammad lands two solid punches and Della Maddalena mocks the champion. The challenger in cruise control so far!
Our Score: 10-9 Della Maddalena (20-18 overall)
Round 3
Muhammad lands a few one-two combinations, but Della Maddalena is getting comfortable in the exchanges. Some peek-a-boo to the headkick from Della Maddalena. Della Maddalena is faking takedowns just to show how comfortable he is in the fight now. The body kick is open for Della Maddalena, but he doesn't want to get taken down. Muhammad finds success with the jabs and lands a beautiful left hook. He fires a straight right hand, and he seems to be finding his range. Good left hand from Della Maddalena and a snapping left hand. His head movement has been incredible in the fight. Muhammad shoots for a take down but Della Maddalena's takedown defense has been on point.
Our Score: 10-9 Muhammad (29-28 overall)
Round 4
Della Maddalena lands a clean jab and an uppercut flush in range. Muhammad's cardio is seemingly taking over the fight now. Nice one-two from Muhammad. The champion shoots for a takedown, and Della Maddalena defends it and initiates a wild exchange. Muhammad takes Della Maddalena's back, and he lands a strong knee from the position. Muhammad is making this a dirty fight with volume uppercuts and short punches. Nice jab and a thunderous kick from Muhammad.
Della Maddalena initiates the clinch, and Muhammad drops for a takedown. He's making up for the deficit in the championship round. Wild exchanges on the break, and on to the final round we go!
Our Score: 10-9 Muhammad (38-38)
Round 5
Della Maddalena slips an incoming punch and counters with a short right hand. Doubles jabs land for Muhammad. The champion is pressing the Australian and getting the better of the exchanges. Short right hooks from Della Maddalena, and he lands a strong left hand. Muhammad fires back with a right hand. This is a dog fight!
Muhammad shoots for a takedown and gets it. He has enough time to secure the round and potentially the fight. Della Maddalena pushes Muhammad away and gets back on his feet. He needs to push for the finish if he wants to win the fight. Nice elbow and left hand from Della Maddalena as he hurts Muhammad. He's pouring on the pressure now, and Muhammad is hurt. What a fight! Muhammad tosses Della Maddalena, and he's on top now. Della Maddalena finds a way back to his feet, and he's chasing the finish again. He hurts Muhammad and few good punches to close out the fight! Fight of the year contender,r ladies and gentleman!
Our Score: 10-9 Della Maddalena (48-47)
Official Result
Jack Della Maddalena defeats Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision. (48-47, 48-47, and 49-46)