Jack Della Maddalena Wins Welterweight Championship in Bloody Bout at UFC 315

Jack Della Maddalena achieved a significant upset victory, defeating Belal Muhammad to become the new UFC welterweight champion at UFC 315 in a bloody battle.

The Australian fighter secured the title via decision in Canada. The former champion, Muhammad, appeared to struggle in the initial rounds and was unable to mount a sufficient comeback late in the fight.

In other notable results from the event, Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her women`s flyweight title against Manon Fiorot.

Additionally, UFC icon Jose Aldo announced his retirement from the sport following a decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi.

Key Moments and Results from UFC 315

Aldo Announces Retirement

Following a tough loss, the legendary Jose Aldo announced his retirement. The “King of Rio” was seen removing his gloves in the octagon and later spoke about his career.

He expressed gratitude to Dana White and everyone at the UFC. Reflecting on his decision, Aldo stated, “I don`t think I have it in me anymore, everything was very tough, not just the weight cut. I don`t want to go into war all the time, I think this is the last time you`ll see me.”

Reactions to Aldo`s Retirement

Several UFC stars reacted to Jose Aldo`s retirement news on social media, praising his legendary career.

BMF titleholder Max Holloway posted: “Jose Aldo is a legend. Love to one of the greatest.”

UFC lightweight Renato Moicano wrote: “Absolutely legend!!! You had a great career!!! Enjoy your retirement legend!!”

UFC featherweight Dan Ige added: “[Jose Aldo] always a GOAT”.

Jack Della Maddalena`s Thoughts

After claiming the welterweight belt, Maddalena shared his perspective on the five-round war with Daniel Cormier.

He commented, “Coming in here against someone like Belal, with that sort of pressure, I knew I had to be smart. Belal`s a tough dude, he`s not easy to put away.”

Celebrating his win, he added, “Australia baby, we`ve got three of these [belts], lets go!”

Dana White Absent from Press Conference

UFC President Dana White did not attend the post-fight press conference, leaving fans with unanswered questions and sparking concern.

One fan`s reaction online was: “Just resign at this point. Clearly wants nothing to do with the UFC anymore.” Another commented: “He doesn’t give a f— about the UFC anymore, it is very obvious.”

Maddalena`s Health Battle Before Title Shot

Jack Della Maddalena overcame a serious health issue potentially threatening his career before reaching the pinnacle of the welterweight division.

His title opportunity came 14 months after breaking his left arm in a victory over Gilbert Burns, requiring surgery. Ten days later, an infection necessitated a second surgery after the wound split. Della Maddalena spent nine days hospitalized on antibiotics.

He continued to face challenges with multiple abscesses forming in the wound over the following five weeks.

Valentina Shevchenko`s Post-Fight Reflections

Following her eighth successful women`s flyweight title defense, Valentina Shevchenko spoke in the Octagon.

She described Fiorot as “a hard opponent, a good striker,” adding that she was “able to do everything I was preparing for the fight.”

On her longevity at the elite level, Shevchenko stated: “I keep going, numbers are nothing to me, it`s about how you feel mentally and physically, this is the most important.”

Vitor Belfort Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame

During the main card broadcast, it was announced that UFC legend Vitor Belfort would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, joining the pioneer wing.

Belfort`s UFC career spanned from 1997 to 2018. He competed 25 times in the octagon, became the Light-heavyweight champion in 2004, and holds the promotion record for the most first-round finishes with 13.

Who is Next for Shevchenko?

Following another dominant performance, speculation turns to Valentina Shevchenko`s next opponent. With her eighth title defense completed, potential fresh challengers are being considered.

Natalia Silva appears to be a frontrunner after her decisive unanimous decision win over former champion Alexa Grasso. Silva is expected to move up the rankings and could pose a new challenge for “The Bullet,” considered by many the flyweight GOAT.

What`s Next for Jack Della Maddalena?

Now holding an 8-0 UFC record, Della Maddalena has quickly ascended to become the undisputed welterweight champion. The 170lbs division is stacked, leading to discussions about his first title defense.

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is heavily speculated to be next in line, potentially moving up a division after multiple successful title defenses at lightweight. With Belal Muhammad, his training partner, no longer holding the belt, Makhachev could seek to become a two-division champion.

Australian Gold

With Della Maddalena capturing the welterweight title, Australia now boasts three UFC world champions. He joins former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and current featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski as the third Australian fighter to achieve UFC gold.

Jack Della Maddalena`s main event performance was a thrilling war that solidified his place as a deserving world champion.

UFC 315 Full Card Results

The event in Montreal featured a great card with several finishes and bouts impacting title pictures. Here are the full results:

Main Card

• Jack Della Maddalena def. Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision
• Valentina Shevchenko def. Manon Fiorot via unanimous decision
• Aiemann Zahabi def. Jose Aldo via unanimous decision
• Natalie Silva def. Alexa Grasso via unanimous decision
• Benoit Saint-Denis def. Kyle Prepolec via submission (Round 2)

Prelims

• Mike Malott def. Charles Radtke via TKO (Round 2)
• Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Jessica Andrade via submission (Round 1)
• Modestas Bukauskas def. Ion Cutelaba via split decision
• Navajo Stirling def. Ivan Erslan via unanimous decision

Early Prelims

• Marc-Andre Barriault def. Bruno Silva via KO (Round 1)
• Daniel Santos def. Lee Jeong Yeong via unanimous decision
• Bekzat Almakhan def. Brad Katona via KO (Round 1)