Don’t Underestimate JDM, Says Gilbert Burns
During an appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, Gilbert Burns discussed the upcoming welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. “Durinho” thinks the fight is much closer than the general consensus would lead you to believe.
“People are kind of counting JDM out, but JDM is a problem. … I think Belal is going to struggle a lot in the striking. JDM is not going anywhere. That guy is going to stay there. I was taking Belal as a favorite, but I’m kind of changing. That fight is super, super close. Belal has the speed advantage for sure in the cardio, but JDM is a monster, too. He hits very hard. He’s not going to get finished. He’s not going to get knocked out. His cardio is looking very good. I’m kind of maybe changing. I think it’s going to be a very close fight.”
Maddalena was given a title opportunity after Shavkat Rakhmonov had to be sidelined due to an injury. Many fans and experts feel that Maddalena’s best shot against Muhammad is to keep the fight standing. Muhammad has made great strides with his wrestling over the years, but he insists he will also showcase his striking at UFC 315.
This will be Maddalena’s first crack at UFC gold. He’s riding a 17-fight winning streak and the only losses in his pro MMA career occurred in his first two bouts back in 2016. Muhammad has gone 10-0, 1 NC in his last 11 outings.
I will laugh my ass off if BLOL loses to JDM, I am rooting for JDM to win. BLOL should be sent to Palestine as punishment
Benoit Saint Denis vs. Joel Alvarez is Off
A lightweight collision between Benoit Saint Denis and Joel Alvarez was going to be UFC 315’s main card opener. It wasn’t meant to be, as Alvarez announced on Instagram that he has been forced out of the fight due to an injury (translated by DeepL).
“Hello everyone. I am out of my fight at UFC 315 due to a hand injury that leaves me unable to start hitting for 3 weeks. It’s not the lightweight loss I wanted, but it is what it is. There are many factors that are out of our hands and we can’t control. The camp had been perfect so far. We will be back this year reformed and with a different approach. Thank you all so much for the support, you are the best. We will be back this year with a different approach. Thank you all so much for the support, you are the best.”
At this time, it’s unknown if the UFC will reschedule the fight or look for a replacement on short notice. This would’ve been a chance for Alvarez to move closer to a top 10 spot on the official lightweight rankings. He currently sits at No. 15, while Saint Denis is the No. 13-ranked 155-pounder.
Alvarez is riding a three-fight winning streak and appeared to be gaining momentum before this setback. Saint Denis, on the other hand, was hoping to avoid a three-fight skid. It won’t be long before it’s revealed whether or not he stays on the UFC 315 card.
A huge matchup scheduled for the UFC 315 card has been shelved.
UFC 315 takes place on Saturday and it’ll feature a UFC Welterweight Championship clash between titleholder Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. Valentina Shevchenko will put her flyweight gold at stake against Manon Fiorot. The legend Jose Aldo will also be fighting, as he’ll take on Aiemann Zahabi.
Muhammad Made Edwards ‘Remember the Name’
During the UFC 315 countdown show, Belal Muhammad looked back on his title win over Leon Edwards. He recalled the moment he knew everything went exactly how he anticipated.
“Before the fight, I said I’m going to get him to a breaking point, and the best part of the fight is going back and seeing him in the fifth round where his coach is trying to give him a motivational speech, and he tells him, ‘Shut the F up,'” Muhammad recalled. “I love that turmoil because that’s what I said it was going to be.”
Muhammad will be looking for his first successful UFC title defense when he meets Jack Della Maddalena on Saturday. The championship collision is scheduled to headline UFC 315 in Montreal. Maddalena’s title shot was initially planned for Shavkat Rakhmonov, who couldn’t make the date due to an injury.
“Remember the Name” has made it clear that he believes he will once again showcase his dominance when he faces Maddalena. While Muhammad is the favorite, Maddalena is known for his fierce striking and things could get interesting if he can keep the fight standing. Muhammad also has confidence in his standup abilities, so it’ll be interesting to see who gets their way on fight night.
I’ll watch
Anytime Jose Aldo is fighting I have to, win or lose I just like watching him compete
Watched him Box in Milwaukee and it was so cool to see him live and in action
I hope JDM punches out his other eye