UFC 315 marked the exciting return of the UFC to Montreal after a decade-long absence, delivering a night filled with thrilling fights and memorable performances at the Bell Centre on Saturday night. This iconic venue, once home to the legendary Georges St-Pierre, hosted a pivotal welterweight title showdown where Jack Della Maddalena faced off against Belal Muhammad.
In a competitive main event, Jack Della Maddalena emerged victorious, claiming the welterweight championship title with a unanimous decision after five action-packed rounds. While the first rounds showcased a closely contested battle, Della Maddalena finished exceptionally strong. In the fifth round, he landed significant strikes that tested Muhammad's durability. Belal Muhammad demonstrated impressive resilience, but ultimately he could not retain his title in his first defense attempt. Jack Della Maddalena now joins the ranks of prestigious Australian champions in the UFC, becoming the third after Robert Whittaker and Alexander Volkanovski.
The Fight of the Night honors went to the intense matchup between Della Maddalena and Muhammad, highlighting the skill and determination both fighters displayed throughout the bout.
In addition to the main event, performance bonuses were awarded to two Canadian fighters, signaling a strong night for the home crowd. Jasmine Jasudavicius, competing in the women’s flyweight division, produced a standout performance against former strawweight champion and 125-pound title challenger Jessica Andrade. Jasudavicius dominated the fight, utilizing her wrestling to control Andrade before securing a rear-naked choke that forced her opponent to tap out. UFC Senior Vice President of International and Content, David Shaw, noted that the effectiveness of Jasudavicius' performance played a significant role in securing her the $50,000 bonus.
Marc-Andre Barriault also earned a performance bonus for his urgent need for a victory after facing three consecutive losses. Barriault delivered an impressive knockout against Bruno Silva with a crushing elbow strike, which face-planted Silva onto the mat. He then finished the fight with additional punches. Following the knockout, Silva was transported to the hospital, but fortunately, all medical tests returned negative, indicating he is in good health.
The event drew a substantial crowd, with the Bell Centre reporting an attendance of 19,786 spectators. The total gate revenue for UFC 315 reached approximately $6 million U.S., demonstrating the strong interest in live combat sports in Montreal.
The night was a testament to the ongoing excitement and growth of the UFC, presenting unforgettable moments and showcasing the talent within the organization. As Jack Della Maddalena celebrates his championship success, other fighters like Jasudavicius and Barriault solidify their places as rising stars in the promotion, promising more thrilling action in the future.
