UFC 315 witnessed a title change, a title defense, and possibly the end of a legendary career. Despite initial expectations of being a less eventful pay-per-view, the fight card in Montreal delivered plenty of action and surprises.
After the dust settled, here are the main highlights from Saturday’s event:
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1. Jack Della Maddalena is now the UFC welterweight champion, a phrase that may take some time to get used to. His journey from a 0-2 start to becoming a UFC champion in less than a decade is truly remarkable. Della Maddalena’s dominant performance against Belal Muhammad showcased his skill and determination to succeed.
He dismantled Muhammad’s game plan and emerged victorious, proving that hard work and seizing opportunities can lead to great achievements.
2. The aftermath of the welterweight title fight has created chaos in two UFC divisions. With Muhammad’s loss, the anticipated matchup between UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev and welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is now uncertain. This has disrupted the rankings and left contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov in limbo.
It’s a tumultuous time for both divisions, adding an element of unpredictability to the future matchups.
3. Valentina Shevchenko’s dominance in the flyweight division raises the question of a potential fight against Zhang Weili. A champion vs. champion showdown could inject excitement into the women’s divisions, which are in need of a spark. Shevchenko’s continued success against lesser-known opponents calls for a challenging matchup to showcase her skills.
Jose Aldo retired Saturday night following a decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
(Chris Unger via Getty Images)
4. Jose Aldo’s unexpected retirement marks the end of a remarkable career. From a bantamweight contender to a featherweight legend, Aldo’s decision to retire after his fight against Aiemann Zahabi was a bittersweet moment.
Despite his accomplishments, it seems like the right time for Aldo to step away from the octagon and leave behind a legacy that will be remembered.
5. Belal Muhammad faces an uncertain future following his loss in the welterweight title fight. Despite his valiant efforts, Muhammad’s defeat and subsequent loss of the title may hinder his chances of getting another shot at the championship.
His exciting fighting style and determination were evident in the bout, but the road back to a title shot may be challenging for him.