Jack Della Maddalena stunned the MMA world last night, defeating Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision to claim the UFC welterweight title at UFC 315.
The 28-year-old Australian, returning after a year-long hiatus, secured the victory with two judges scoring the bout 48-47 and one 49-46 in his favor.
Muhammad, unbeaten since January 2019, struggled to fend off Della Maddalena’s relentless attack, absorbing 200 strikes and appearing bloodied and unsteady in his first title defense. “He brings the pressure, so I had to be smart on my feet,” Della Maddalena said post-fight. “Against someone like him, I couldn’t spend too much time on my back. I waited for my energy and made my move.”
Despite seeking a late finish, Della Maddalena couldn’t put the durable Muhammad away. “I was gunning for it, but he’s tough,” he admitted.
The victory marks Della Maddalena as the third Australian UFC champion, joining featherweight king Alex Volkanovski and former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker.
“It feels good, exactly how I thought it would,” Della Maddalena said, savoring his historic triumph.