While generally showing respect, the interaction between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena took a brief physical turn ahead of their welterweight title fight headlining UFC 315 this Saturday in Montreal.
The two fighters exchanged words during the press conference before standing face-to-face for the traditional faceoff.
During the faceoff, Della Maddalena extended his fists towards Muhammad. The champion responded by swatting his arm away, a move that visibly agitated the Australian challenger.
UFC CEO Dana White quickly stepped between the two to prevent further escalation, and the situation was promptly defused.
Other faceoffs at the UFC 315 event proceeded without incident. However, Quebec`s own Aiemann Zahabi may have been surprised by the crowd`s warmer reception for his opponent, José Aldo.
