Jack Della Maddalena will live out his dream this weekend as he challenges Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title at UFC 315. Meanwhile, fans often troll Muhammad during press conferences and on social media for his fighting style, which many find boring. In response to this, JDM believes he’s in the UFC to bring excitement and save the welterweight division.
The welterweight title challenger is currently riding an eight-fight win streak in the UFC, with nearly all of his victories coming by finish. Impressed by his own performances, JDM believes the UFC brought him in to add excitement to the welterweight division. He acknowledged that while Belal is a solid champion, he lacks the ability to finish fights. Speaking to ‘MainEventTV,’ JDM said,
“I mean, he [Belal] is a solid champion. I think the welterweight division needs a champion who’s going to put on finishes, and that’s what I’m here to do — put on finishes, back-to-back finishes in championship fights.”
JDM believes the UFC recruited him to save the welterweight division
"I mean, he [Belal] is a solid champion. I think the welterweight division needs a champion who's going to put on finishes, and that's what I'm here to do — put on finishes, back-to-back finishes in… pic.twitter.com/KCyacBOMKh
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 8, 2025
Fans have also pointed out Belal Muhammad’s lack of finishes in the UFC. Most of his wins came by decision rather than by TKO or KO, which has led to criticism of his fighting style, which many viewers find less exciting.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Belal Muhammad’s Cardio Could Be the Key to Beating Jack Della Maddalena
Muhammad, ranked #7 in the UFC pound-for-pound list and current welterweight champion, proved his elite cardio in his five-round win over Leon Edwards. His conditioning has earned praise from fellow fighters, including Stephen Thompson and now UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. Ahead of UFC 315, Khabib backed Belal to retain his title. In an interview with Adam Zubayraev, Khabib said,
“I believe it will be very hard to beat Belal. If Maddalena or Shavkat don’t finish him early. Belal is just going to keep pressing. His endurance is really good. In fact, I think it’s the most underrated aspect in MMA today.
Khabib Nurmagomedov says Belal Muhammad's cardio is the most underrated aspect in MMA today:
"I believe it will be very hard to beat Belal. If Maddalena or Shavkat dont finish him early, Belal is just going to keep pressing…
His endurance is really good. In fact, I think it's… pic.twitter.com/w6Zbe9UToI
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 15, 2025
Fans have certainly recognized Belal Muhammad’s incredible cardio, and many believe that will be key to his success in the upcoming fight. However, there will be plenty of curiosity around whether the welterweight champion can secure a knockout this time around.