Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena has claimed the welterweight title in a bloodbath against former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in Montreal.
The 28-year-old scored a unanimous decision victory (48-47 x2, 49-46), proving the oddsmakers wrong by defending takedowns and landing crisp boxing combinations throughout the 25 minutes.
The Aussie controlled the early rounds before Muhammad valiantly fought back in the fourth, pressuring Della Maddalena to the cage and landing punches of his own.
This now marks his 18th consecutive victory after dropping the first two bouts of his professional career.
MORE: All the results and highlights from UFC 315
After the decision was read, Daniel Cormier joined Della Maddalena in the octagon for a post-fight interview.
“I looked up at the clock and saw 30 seconds left. I thought I was ahead but I wanted to keep pushing,” he said.
“I wanted to take him out of there, I was gunning for a late finish, but you know, Belal’s the man, he’s a tough dude, he’s not easy to put away.”
When pressed about the potential move of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev up into the welterweight division, Della Maddalena was motivated to get that fight booked.
“I think it’s a beautiful challenge, he’s pound-for-pound number one. I’m going to get him back for Volk,” he said.
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