UFC 315 delivered significant outcomes, particularly crowning a new welterweight champion. In Montreal on Saturday, Jack Della Maddalena scored a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad, seizing the top spot in the 170-pound division. This upset win potentially sets the stage for a high-profile superfight against lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev, a matchup that could, in turn, open the door for a lightweight title clash between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria.
The co-main event also featured a successful title defense, with Valentina Shevchenko retaining her flyweight belt via unanimous decision over Manon Fiorot. Shevchenko`s victory could pave the way for her own superfight, potentially against strawweight champion Zhang Weili.
With a lot to discuss following this pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting`s team convened to break down the major talking points from UFC 315.
Was UFC 315 a success?
Heck: It exceeded expectations. While it looked underwhelming on paper, the event delivered, capped by a chaotic and potentially game-changing main event.
Lee: This event showcased what a top-tier fighting league should look like: elite fighters, high stakes, and strong support from the local crowd.
Meshew: It might not be the best card ever, but it was better than many gave it credit for, and it created numerous intriguing possibilities for future fights.
Should Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev happen next?
Lee: Yes, it should, and while Makhachev and Muhammad are very different opponents, Della Maddalena`s performance, especially his striking and improved takedown defense, makes a fight against the world`s top fighter incredibly compelling. It`s a fascinating potential direction after initial talks of Makhachev vs. Topuria. It either solidifies Makhachev`s legacy or creates a new superstar in Della Maddalena if he pulls off another upset.
Heck: It absolutely *should* be next, but the fact that it wasn`t announced immediately after the main event raises questions. UFC President Dana White doesn`t need a press conference to make big announcements. The lack of an immediate announcement suggests Makhachev vs. Topuria might still be the preferred option, especially for International Fight Week. My gut leans towards Della Maddalena vs. Islam, but the lack of confirmation makes it less certain.
Meshew: It is *100%* next. From Islam`s perspective, why would he accept anything else? He`s P4P No. 1, the new champion wants the fight, contenders are fine with it, and Dana White even mentioned it. The UFC wouldn`t risk their relationship with the top fighter by forcing a different bout unless Islam vs. Topuria was significantly bigger, which it isn`t. They also won`t just pay extra to make another fight happen. This fight is happening, accept it. While the welterweight division is stacked and ideally Islam wouldn`t hold it up, this fight is the most likely path forward.
How excited are you about Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili?
Heck: Extremely excited. Women`s MMA desperately needs a major spark, and this superfight provides it. While it`s tough on contenders like Natalia Silva who could be next, this fight is potentially `now or never,` especially with Zhang expressing interest in moving up to flyweight. Let`s make it happen and clear the way for rising contenders later.
Lee: Pretty excited, though I`m perhaps more excited for Natalia Silva`s potential. Silva`s unique striking style and takedown defense pose a real threat to Shevchenko, and her charisma makes her a strong candidate to eventually take over the division. While Zhang vs. Shevchenko is a dream matchup, I also want to see Zhang fight strong strawweight contenders like Virna Jandiroba. The timing for the superfight is just short of perfect.
Meshew: Very pumped. Valentina Shevchenko is arguably one of the greatest female fighters of all time, still performing at a high level. Zhang Weili is also among the all-time greats, near her peak. Shevchenko has fought the GOAT (Amanda Nunes) twice; adding another massive fight against Zhang is huge. For Zhang, a win over Shevchenko elevates her own all-time ranking conversation. Outside of Amanda Nunes returning, this is the biggest fight possible in women`s MMA. Let`s book it.
How will you remember Jose Aldo?
Heck: As the greatest featherweight ever, but also a fighter who seemed regretful about his return to the UFC. After retiring from MMA post-Merab Dvalishvili loss to pursue boxing, he owed the UFC one fight. They booked him perfectly in his home country against Jonathan Martinez for a planned farewell. However, Aldo got nostalgic and decided to stay. While it was hard to watch him against less challenging opponents later, it wasn`t entirely the UFC`s fault as they reacted to his decision. Watching him seemingly second-guess his choice during the fight and throughout fight week was poignant. Salute to the King of Rio.
Lee: In his prime, he was as good a fighter as you could witness. Aldo made me love this sport. His championship performances are iconic. Following him in WEC felt like being part of a secret society before his inevitable UFC arrival. He delivered in the Octagon (barring one notable exception we don`t discuss). I`ll also remember his bizarre biopic with an incredibly unnecessary plot twist.
Meshew: As the undisputed greatest featherweight ever, a top-five all-time fighter (in my view, top three), the greatest defensive fighter, one of the most historically significant figures in the sport, and someone whose career was incredibly meaningful to me. His final act is arguably his most impressive; a decade past his prime, still competing and winning against ranked opponents in a tougher weight class. That`s almost unheard of. His retirement messages weren`t definitive, hinting that he might want one proper farewell. The obvious dream scenario is Aldo vs. Patricio Pitbull at featherweight in Rio for a legendary sendoff.
What was your biggest takeaway from UFC 315?
Meshew: Jose Aldo soccer kicked a dude. Enough said.
Lee: As the Canadian voice, I have to acknowledge Mike Malott. Credit also goes to his opponent Charles Radtke for playing the heel perfectly, building huge interest in their preliminary bout. Radtke successfully came across as unlikable without serious controversy, making the crowd eager for a Malott win. Malott delivered the knockout and then gave a unifying post-fight speech. After a previous stumble in Canada, Malott is firmly back on track as a Canadian prospect.
Heck: Stepping away from the most obvious points, Jasmine Jasudavicius` dominant performance against Jessica Andrade was highly impressive. Jasudavicius is a unique talent who started MMA later than most but showed natural ability from the start. Watching her progress from an amateur to quickly surpassing expectations and dominating a former champion like Andrade without breaking a sweat is remarkable. I`d love to see her face champions like Grasso or Fiorot next.
