UFC 315 Preview & Predictions: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena Headlines a Stacked Card

UFC 315 is set to deliver a thrilling night of action this Saturday, featuring two high-stakes title fights. In the main event, reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will defend his belt for the first time against the surging Australian contender Jack Della Maddalena. The co-main event sees Valentina Shevchenko looking to retain her women’s flyweight title against France’s Manon Fiorot, who is riding a 12-fight winning streak.
Main Event: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena

Muhammad captured the title by decisively defeating Leon Edwards and now looks to extend his 12-fight unbeaten streak. Known for his relentless pace, durability, and grappling-heavy approach, Muhammad enters as a -190 favorite. However, he faces a stiff challenge in Della Maddalena (+150), a dangerous striker with 17 straight wins—14 of which came via stoppage.

The matchup presents a classic striker-vs-grappler clash. Muhammad has the cardio and control to neutralize opponents over five rounds, while Della Maddalena has knockout power and sharp boxing that can end fights quickly. Critics have called Muhammad's style dull, but his consistency and pressure make him a tough puzzle to solve.
Co-Main Event: Shevchenko vs. Fiorot

Valentina Shevchenko returns to defend the title she recently regained from Alexa Grasso. Although now 37, she remains a well-rounded threat with elite fight IQ and championship experience. Fiorot, meanwhile, has taken out top contenders with a technical striking game and superb distance control. Despite Shevchenko’s pedigree, Fiorot is the slight favorite (-140), with the champ at +115.

This fight could come down to how well Fiorot handles Shevchenko’s clinch work and takedowns. If Shevchenko can slow the tempo and turn the bout into a tactical battle, her experience could edge out a win on the scorecards.
Full Fight Card & Odds (Select Bouts)


Belal Muhammad (c) -190 vs. Jack Della Maddalena +150 – Welterweight Title


Manon Fiorot -140 vs. Valentina Shevchenko (c) +115 – Women’s Flyweight Title


Jose Aldo -220 vs. Aiemann Zahabi +175 – Featherweight


Natalia Silva -225 vs. Alexa Grasso +175 – Women’s Flyweight


Benoit Saint Denis -1115 vs. Kyle Prepolec +750 – Lightweight

Other exciting names on the card include Joshua Van, Jasmine Jasudavicius, and Mike Malott in action-packed prelims.
CBS Sports Staff Predictions
Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena:


Majority pick: Muhammad


Analysts praise Muhammad's conditioning and grappling edge, though some warn against underestimating Della Maddalena’s striking power and improvement in takedown defense.
Shevchenko vs. Fiorot:


Split opinion, but slight lean toward Shevchenko.


Experts cite Shevchenko’s veteran savvy and adaptability as key to winning a close fight.
Aldo vs. Zahabi:


Unanimous pick: Jose Aldo


Zahabi is respected for his progress and discipline, but Aldo’s superior striking and experience are expected to carry him to victory.

With two championship belts on the line and legends like Jose Aldo on the card, UFC 315 promises a must-watch night of MMA. Whether you're backing the champs or rooting for the hungry challengers, the stakes couldn’t be higher.