The welterweight division in the UFC Weight Classes takes center stage on May 10 as champion Belal Muhammad defends his title against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. The event is set to headline the fight card in Montreal.
Muhammad enters the bout widely regarded as the favorite to retain the championship belt. However, some observers believe Della Maddalena presents a challenge that should not be overlooked.
One UFC veteran has specifically cautioned fans against underestimating Della Maddalena, stating he thinks the fight is closer than the current perception suggests.
Gilbert Burns, a former title challenger in the division, discussed the upcoming matchup. Burns noted that many appear to be counting Della Maddalena out, but he views the contender as a difficult opponent.
Burns specifically pointed to Della Maddalena's striking ability and durability. He commented that Muhammad may find the striking exchanges challenging and that Della Maddalena is unlikely to be finished. Burns added that Della Maddalena's cardio has appeared solid.
Michael Morales, who has trained with Muhammad, offered a different perspective, suggesting the champion possesses the tools required to secure a victory.
Della Maddalena received the title opportunity following an injury to contender Shavkat Rakhmonov. He rides a seventeen-fight winning streak heading into his first UFC title fight. His only professional losses occurred in his initial two bouts in 2016.
Muhammad comes into the championship contest with a record of 10 wins and one no contest in his last eleven appearances.
Morales, currently ranked twelfth in the welterweight division, is scheduled to face Gilbert Burns, ranked eighth, on May 17. Morales, who remains undefeated in his career, sees his upcoming fight as a step toward potentially challenging for the title in the future.
Gilbert Burns offered his assessment of the main event fighters: “People are kind of counting JDM out, but JDM is a problem. … I think Belal is going to struggle a lot in the striking. JDM is not going anywhere. That guy is going to stay there. I was taking Belal as a favorite, but I’m kind of changing. That fight is super, super close. Belal has the speed advantage for sure in the cardio, but JDM is a monster, too. He hits very hard. He’s not going to get finished. He’s not going to get knocked out. His cardio is looking very good. I’m kind of maybe changing. I think it’s going to be a very close fight.”
