Date: Saturday | Location: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | Watch: Prelims 8 pm ESPN | Main Card 10 pm ESPN+
For the first time in a decade, the UFC is back in Montreal, and it’s not returning quietly. UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena brings with it a stacked pay-per-view lineup headlined by two championship bouts and filled with fan-favorite fighters. The Bell Centre, once the site of record-setting UFC crowds, is expected to be packed with more than 20,000 fervent fight fans as the Octagon lands in French Canada with a vengeance.
Main Event: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena – Welterweight Championship
The spotlight shines on the 170-pound division as Belal Muhammad makes his first title defense against the surging Jack Della Maddalena. Muhammad captured the welterweight crown with a clinical, suffocating performance over Leon Edwards last summer in Manchester. That win extended his unbeaten streak to 11 and highlighted the relentless pressure and endurance that have made him a nightmare matchup for nearly every opponent.
But he’ll face a very different challenge in Australia’s Della Maddalena, who enters his first UFC title bout with a perfect 7-0 record inside the promotion. A graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series, the Perth native blends sharp striking and resilience, with finishes in five of his UFC bouts. He’s proven his ability to adapt and survive in tight spots, especially with comeback wins over Gilbert Burns and Kevin Holland that underscored his composure under fire.
While this might be billed as a classic grappler vs. striker clash, both men are far more complete than the labels suggest. Muhammad has quietly developed his standup to complement his wrestling, while Della Maddalena has shown an improved takedown defense and scrambling ability. This bout is likely to come down to which fighter can impose his pace—and who can weather the storm when things inevitably get gritty.
Co-Main Event: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Manon Fiorot – Flyweight Championship
Valentina Shevchenko resumes her reign over the flyweight division with a compelling title defense against France’s Manon Fiorot, the clear-cut No. 1 contender. The 37-year-old champion reclaimed her belt after a grueling trilogy with Alexa Grasso, where she showed that her elite grappling and championship mettle remain firmly intact. Her dominant decision win in their third meeting reaffirmed her status as the division’s queen and silenced critics who suggested she was past her prime.
Fiorot, however, is a problem. Riding a 12-fight win streak, including seven inside the UFC, the French southpaw has battered her way to the top with decisive victories over former strawweight queen Rose Namajunas and top prospect Erin Blanchfield. She brings a physically imposing style, crisp footwork, and a disciplined approach that could frustrate even a technician like Shevchenko.
Expect a technical chess match early, but once the action ramps up, this could become a violent, fast-paced affair. Fiorot has the tools to test Shevchenko in ways few have, especially if she can control distance and keep the champ from initiating grappling exchanges.
- José Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi
The legendary former featherweight king José Aldo returns to the Octagon in bantamweight action against Montreal’s own Aiemann Zahabi. This is a classic experience vs. hometown heart matchup, with the crowd sure to be on fire for Zahabi’s biggest opportunity yet. - Alexa Grasso vs. Natalia Silva
Alexa Grasso looks to rebound from losing her title trilogy by facing Natalia Silva, a fast-rising Brazilian prospect on a tear. Silva’s flashy striking and creative offense will pose a serious challenge for the ex-champ. - Benoît Saint Denis vs. Kyle Prepolec
French lightweight bruiser Benoît Saint Denis meets Canadian Kyle Prepolec in what promises to be an all-action showdown. Both are aggressive and unafraid to trade, making this a potential sleeper for Fight of the Night.
With championship implications at the top and fan-favorite matchups sprinkled throughout, UFC 315 is a celebration of combat sports returning to one of MMA’s most electric cities. Whether you’re tuning in for title fights, legends, or the rising stars of tomorrow, there’s no shortage of storylines or action.
