Former Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker Trolls Belal Muhammad After His Devastating Loss At UFC 315; Video

Belal Muhammad's reign as UFC welterweight champion came to an abrupt end at UFC 315, where he suffered an unanimous decision defeat to Jack Della Maddalena in Montreal. The bout was a grueling five-round affair that left Muhammad with severe facial injuries, including a split upper lip, broken nose, and orbital fracture. UFC President Dana White shared a graphic photo of Muhammad's injuries, highlighting the brutal nature of the contest.

After the shocking defeat, Robert Whittaker couldn't help but make a lighthearted, ironic remark about Muhammad. The former middleweight champion recently recalled Muhammad's self-assured pre-fight statement on his MMArcade Podcast. “Belal said he was not going to leave Montreal without that belt. Does that mean he lives in Montreal now?” The playful jab made reference to Muhammad's broken pledge to regain his title in Canada. Given the sharp discrepancy between Muhammad's pre-fight bravado and his actual performance, the joke was warmly received.

Despite the setback, Belal Muhammad remained resolute, posting on social media: "I been here before and I'll be back," expressing gratitude to his supporters and reaffirming his faith. However, the path back to title contention may be challenging, with rising contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, and Sean Brady making their cases for a shot at the welterweight crown.

Meanwhile, Della Maddalena's victory marked a historic moment, making him the third Australian to win UFC gold. He expressed interest in defending his title against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, potentially in his hometown of Perth, though logistical challenges remain.

'I Am Gonna Get Him Back For Volk': Jack Della Maddalena Targets Islam Makhachev After Victory Over Belal Muhammad At UFC 315; Video

Jack Della Maddalena has firmly established himself as a formidable force in the UFC welterweight division. On May 11, 2025, at UFC 315 in Montreal, he dethroned reigning champion Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), capturing the welterweight title in a commanding performance.

Following his victory, Della Maddalena set his sights on a new challenge: Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion. In a post-fight interview, Della Maddalena expressed his desire to avenge his compatriot Alexander Volkanovski's losses to Makhachev, stating, "I think it's a beautiful challenge, you know. He's Pound-4-Pound No.1 and I'm gonna get him back for Volk."

Makhachev, who has successfully defended his lightweight title four times, including two victories over Volkanovski in 2023, has previously expressed interest in moving up to the welterweight division. However, his close friendship with Belal Muhammad had been a deterrent. With Muhammad no longer holding the title, the path appears clearer for Makhachev to pursue a second championship.

Della Maddalena's ascent in the UFC has been marked by resilience and skill. After joining the organization in 2022, he amassed a 7-0 record, including a notable third-round knockout of Gilbert Burns at UFC 299. His victory over Muhammad, a fighter renowned for his grappling prowess and strategic acumen, showcased Della Maddalena's ability to neutralize takedown attempts and dominate in striking exchanges.