Photo via UFC on X
Jack Della Maddalena (JDM) defeated Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 315.
It was a bloody war where Muhammad showed himself to be very capable on the feet, but was ultimately overmatched by the technical striking of JDM.
Muhammad didn’t force grappling exchanges, where he excels, until the middle and later parts of the fight, which ultimately cost him his title.
What’s next for JDM?
The results of this main event had serious implications for the promotion, no matter who won. If Muhammad had retained his title, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev would not be able to move up and attempt to become a double champion, something which he has been open about wanting. This is because Muhammad and Makhachev are friends and under the same management, and have openly stated that they refuse to fight each other.
This would then mean that rising star Ilia Tuporia would have likely gotten the super fight against Makhachev at 155 lbs in his first fight in the weight class.
However, with JDM winning, the door is now open for Makhachev to move up and make history.
Where that leaves the lightweight division, I’m not sure. I could see a world in which the UFC books Tuporia to face Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan for the vacant 155 lbs title.
What does JDM vs Makhachev look like?
This matchup just got a whole lot more interesting with the type of performance JDM was able to turn in the past weekend.
While I still believe that Muhammad severely hurt his chances by not pressing for the takedown earlier in the fight, JDM’s takedown defense when Muhammad did use his wrestling was immensely impressive.
Not only was his first-order takedown defense (under hooks, sprawls) spot on, but his scrambles as Muhammad chained takedown attempts together were also spectacular.
However, it would be foolish not to acknowledge that Islam Makhachev is another level better in the grappling department than Muhammad.
Not only this, but Islam’s striking is far more complex and meaningful than what Belal had to offer.
I believe this fight would look similar to the Makhachev vs. Poirier bout last year. Islam will likely be able to control the fight wherever it goes, but JDM will have his moments and potentially win a round or two.
With the jump in weight, it will be interesting to see if Islam can withstand the power of a 170 lbs fighter.
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