Belal Muhammad, reflecting on his recent contest, asserts he did enough to secure victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, sparking debate in the MMA community. This Belal Muhammad UFC 315 fight analysis considers Muhammad’s belief in his performance and the response following the controversial decision.
Muhammad Contests Decision Loss at UFC 315
In his first defense of the welterweight title, Belal Muhammad faced Jack Della Maddalena, but ultimately lost by judges’ decision. Della Maddalena delivered the more impactful blows, which played a significant role in persuading judges in his favor. Despite the setbacks, Muhammad remains convinced he did enough to claim the victory after revisiting the match numerous times.
“The ‘JDM’ fight, it was close. To me, I thought I still won that fight,”
—Belal Muhammad, fighter
“I could go back and re-watch it a million times and no matter what it was, I still see myself winning. It levels you up, every camp you have levels you up, that fight is going to level me up. At the end, of the day, the goal is to be the best fighter to ever do it, a complete fighter to ever do it. So, the next time you see me in the cage, you will be surprised from what I gained from that one.”
—Belal Muhammad, fighter
While many fans and analysts agreed with the outcome, believing Della Maddalena had done enough to win, Muhammad continues to deliver his perspective. The official scorecards read 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47, all in favor of the Australian contender. Muhammad, however, emphasizes the contest was tightly contested and sees paths where he should have emerged victorious.
Muhammad Shifts Focus to Kamaru Usman
Although disappointed by the UFC 315 decision, Muhammad is turning his attention to Kamaru Usman, advocating for a matchup he considers overdue. Muhammad, who regards himself as the top-ranked welterweight, suggests that the division’s elite must challenge him to solidify their positions.
“I think fighting Kamaru Usman (is what should happen),”
—Belal Muhammad, fighter
He stresses that Usman should face him, highlighting his spot at the top of the welterweight rankings. Muhammad points out that his last bout was declared Fight of the Night and maintains that fans would support a high-profile rematch if Jack Della Maddalena retains his championship. For Muhammad, it remains important that division contenders are tested against him.
According to Muhammad, Usman has been hesitant to agree to the fight. He underlines his own strengths, stating he is still the division’s toughest stylistic challenge and upholds that his skill set remains unmatched, regardless of recent controversy.
“He knows I’m still the hardest guy in the division when you’re looking at stylistic matchups. I still think I’m the best in the division, no matter what.”
—Belal Muhammad, fighter
Current Standing and Next Steps in the Welterweight Division
Following the narrow defeat to Della Maddalena, Muhammad’s 11-fight unbeaten streak was snapped, but he maintains his number one ranking in the division. With a professional record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and one no contest, Muhammad’s career remains focused on reclaiming the welterweight title and proving himself against the likes of Kamaru Usman. The ongoing debates and calls for new matchups continue to keep the division active and watched by MMA fans.
The division now awaits responses from Usman and other top contenders, as Muhammad pursues another opportunity to assert himself at the summit of the welterweight ranks and possibly set up anticipated rematches in the future.