This weekend, the spotlight of the UFC 315 main event will shine brightly on champion Belal Muhammad as he faces the formidable Jack Della Maddalena. This pivotal matchup not only carries the weight of the Welterweight title but also has the potential to reshape the Lightweight landscape dramatically.
Should Muhammad triumph and defend his title, it could mean reigning Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev maintains his current division, setting the stage for an electrifying bout against Ilia Topuria during next month’s International Fight Week. Conversely, a victory for Della Maddalena would undoubtedly force a shift in the 170-pound hierarchy.
As the action unfolds in Montreal, here are some of the prime betting picks for the card.
UFC 315 Betting Insights
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Belal’s Tenacity Shines
Belal Muhammad (24-3, 1 NC) is set to make his long-awaited first title defense against the rising star Jack Della Maddalena (17-2-0).
Initially scheduled to battle Shavkat Rakhmonov in December, Muhammad faced an unfortunate setback due to a champion’s infection that postponed the bout.
At 36, the Chicago fighter dazzled audiences with a dominant five-round display to claim the title from Leon Edwards last July at UFC 304 in Manchester. It marked a significant milestone in his career, representing his tenth consecutive victory within the unforgiving Octagon.
Along his journey, Muhammad secured notable wins against glowing names like Gilbert Burns (UD), Sean Brady (R2, TKO), and Vicente Luque (UD). In stark contrast, Della Maddalena’s ascent has been rapid—a title shot coming just seven fights into an unblemished UFC career.
Last seen halting former title challenger Gilbert Burns in the third round at UFC 299, the 28-year-old Australian’s career kickstarted with four remarkable first-round finishes, including a submission victory over Randy Brown and a knockout against Danny Roberts.
While Della Maddalena boasts extraordinary boxing skills, he must rise to the occasion against Muhammad’s relentless grappling pressure. With a remarkable six-year unbeaten streak, Muhammad’s unmatched cardio and evolving striking have created a formidable barrier for his opponents. Historically, he has seen 14 of his 18 completed UFC fights go the distance, and this bout may very well be another that judges will decide.
Fiorot on the Rise?
The legendary Valentina Shevchenko (24-4-1) stands poised to add yet another chapter to her illustrious legacy as she goes toe-to-toe with the dynamic Manon Fiorot (12-1-0).
Shevchenko, defending her title for the first time in this second reign after reclaiming it from Alexa Grasso, faces a formidable challenge in Fiorot. The 37-year-old Shevchenko previously dominated her reign with seven defenses between 2018 and 2022, but the competition remains fierce.
Fiorot, like Della Maddalena, arrives at this title opportunity on a seven-fight winning streak, showcasing her potential with two TKO victories followed by five straight decision wins against notable opponents such as Erin Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas.
With an aesthetically pleasing striking style and high volume output, Fiorot presents an exciting clash against Shevchenko, who has leaned into a grappling-heavy approach lately, evidenced by her eight takedowns against Grasso. After an intense trilogy that took a toll on her body and mind, the reigning champion may rely on grappling tactics once again. Yet, Fiorot’s impressive takedown defense, having only been on the ground once in 16 attempts, could pose a problem. Given her fresher perspective on the fight game, her striking may edge out the champion, setting the stage for an explosive encounter.
Radtke Aiming to Sway the Odds
A compelling rivalry unfolds as Mike Malot (11-2-1) takes on Charles Radtke (10-4-0) in a clash that brings together America and Canada.
Once considered a burgeoning star, Malot suffered a setback in Toronto at UFC 297, falling to veteran Neil Magny via third-round TKO. However, the resilient 33-year-old bounced back with a unanimous decision victory over Trevin Giles last November, placing his UFC record at 4-1.
Malot boasts submission victories over Adam Fugitt (R2) and Yohan Lainesse (R1), alongside a striking first-round TKO against Mickey Gall during his Octagon tenure.
On the other hand, Radtke has made his mark with a 3-1 UFC record, recently enough securing a first-round knockout against Matthew Semelsberger in November. His only loss came against Carlos Prates, who landed a painful knee to his liver after a hotly contested first round.
Adopting an old-school fighting style with a powerful left hook, Radtke trains alongside renowned fighters like Belal Muhammad and Ignacio Bahamondes, boasting ample confidence heading into this match. Following a viral debut win in Australia at UFC 293, he looks forward to replicating that success against Malot.
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