Belal Muhammad sustained two severe injuries during his unsuccessful welterweight title defense against Jack Della Maddalena.
The American fighter, born in Palestine, aimed for his first defense of the 170-pound belt, which he won from Leon Edwards last July. This fight took place early Sunday morning as the main event of UFC 315.
However, his time as the welterweight champion concluded unexpectedly after a loss by unanimous decision.
Della Maddalena, aged 28, displayed dynamic striking from the start, landing accurate punches on the former champion`s face.
In the fifth round, he caused a significant cut under Muhammad`s left eye with a well-placed knee strike.
The full severity of Muhammad`s injuries, though, became apparent only after medical staff examined him backstage.
A picture shared by UFC President Dana White revealed that in addition to the cut below his eye, Muhammad`s upper lip was SEVERELY TORN.
White commended the 36-year-old for his toughness and resolve, fighting through an injury that looked like something out of a horror film.
Posting the image on his Instagram story, White commented, “What a BATTLE!! Broken nose, orbital bone, and a torn lip. #Respect.”
Muhammad`s injuries were so serious that he was taken backstage immediately after the fight, missing his post-fight interview.
With this win over Muhammad, JDM became only the third Australian fighter to claim a UFC championship.
He commented, “It feels exactly like I expected. It feels amazing.”
“I knew I needed to be strategic while standing. Perhaps my strikes could have been a bit more precise.”
“Facing someone like Belal with his strong pressure wrestling, I understood I had to be smart.”
“I believed I was winning and aimed to finish the fight. Belal is a formidable opponent, a very tough individual.”
“Australia, we now have three of these belts! Let`s go!”
