MONTREAL – It’s been almost a decade since someone stopped UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. And yet, despite the history, Jack Della Maddalena thinks he can put an end to that streak.
Della Maddalena (17-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) challenges Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) for his UFC welterweight title on May 10 in the main event of at UFC 315 on May 10 at Bell Centre. The Australian is heading into his first UFC title fight with all the confidence in the world, hence the prediction.
“I think I’m going to steam(roll) him,” Della Maddalena told MMA Junkie. “I think I can get the finish. That would be the icing on the cake, get a finish and start the championship reign.”
Della Maddalena wasn’t originally scheduled to be the next challenger at 170 pounds. He was set to take on former champion Leon Edwards in March, and Muhammad was supposed to defend his belt against Shavkat Rakmonov, who had to withdraw from the bout due to injury.
Della Maddalena welcomes the change in opponents. Although it might be a drastic one on paper, his confidence remains high heading into UFC 315.
“I think Leon and Belal are different opponents,” Della Maddalena said. “I think Leon is a good striker, and he’s probably happy to sit on his back foot where Belal comes forward and tries to go for the grappling. It’s a big change, but I’ve fought people that come forward and try to grapple me my whole career, so it’s no change for me.
“It’s the biggest opportunity, and I have 10 weeks to sharpen all the tools, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Not only has Muhammad not been finished in almost a decade, but he hasn’t been beaten in the past six years, putting him on an impressive 12-fight wining streak. Yet, despite all the challenges Muhammad has faced, Della Maddalena believes he brings a new look to the champion.
“I think I got more precision, accuracy, power, and I think I got more dog in me,” Della Maddalena said. “I’ve fought people like him my whole career, and he’s never fought someone like me.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 315.
