Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad traded barbs during the UFC 315 press conference on Thursday.
The welterweight clash, which headlines the card in Montreal this weekend, has been a slow burn with fans. However, the pre-fight antics have raised the stakes in what was already a necessary title fight.
After capturing the belt in his last outing in a convincing decision victory over Leon Edwards, Muhammad opened the verbal exchange, insisting since the fight was announced that he’s going to break the Australian.
“He’s going to need the referee to save him on Saturday night, when I break him,” he said.
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When Della Maddalena was questioned about his opponent’s confidence, he was quick to start sledging back.
“I’d be pretty embarrassed to be broken by him, he’s never broken anyone so I’m not too worried,” he said.
The 28-year-old from Perth has 14 finishes in his 17 victories, 12 of those coming by way of knockout.
As one of the most devastating finishers in the division, Della Maddalena remains unfazed by the threat Muhammad poses in his ability to end the fight before going to the scorecards.
“He’s never taken anyone’s soul, so he’s not taking my soul,” he said.
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A lot has been made of the champion’s strategy in the build up to the bout.
Spending time training with the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov and Eagles MMA, it is expected that Muhammad will use his grappling prowess to nullify the striking skills of Della Maddalena.
However, Muhammad has continually emphasised his comfort in the boxing ranges and has even made promises not to ground the fight.
When asked if this was a legitimate strategy, or simply gamesmanship on the part of his opponent, the Aussie made it clear that he would invite that approach, but is doubtful that the champion actually follows through with it.
“Yeah, it would be nice, but I don’t think that’s going to happen,” he said.
The two men faced off at the conclusion of the press conference and things escalated when Della Maddalena extended his fists towards Muhammad, who promptly swatted his hands away.
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