The UFC’s cardio king faced a setback. Belal Muhammad, long praised by fans and analysts for his exceptional cardio, was dethroned at UFC 315 when Jack Della Maddalena captured the welterweight title with his elite striking and strong takedown defense. While many mocked the former champion for his showing, MMA veteran Matt Brown offered a different perspective on the fight.
Muhammad is facing criticism for his strategy in the UFC 315 loss to Jack Della Maddalena, where he aimed to showcase his boxing instead of relying on his usual wrestling-heavy style. Despite attempting nine takedowns, many felt his game plan was flawed. However, UFC veteran Matt Brown defended Muhammad, saying it didn’t matter what the plan was; Della Maddalena had answers for everything.
“Jack’s wrestling looked great. Even when Belal got him down, he stood right back up, I think every time. I’m not remembering any time Belal held him down for any decent length of time. He used some tricky little things, hip toss type things to create some space. He was really good at staying off the cage,” Brown said during the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer.
Brown said that while Belal’s team might think a different game plan could have helped, it likely wouldn’t have changed the outcome. Jack Della Maddalena had an answer for everything, and beating him will take serious adjustments.
Javier Mendez Explains How Islam Makhachev Would Approach a Fight With Jack Della Maddalena
Della Maddalena’s hard-fought win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 may have opened the door for Islam Makhachev to pursue a second title. If Makhachev moves up to welterweight, his coach, Javier Mendez, already has a plan forming. Reflecting on the fight, Mendez said Belal should have used more wrestling and made it clear Islam won’t make the same mistake.
“Can he take Jack down? Absolutely, he can take Jack down. Can he outstrike Jack? Absolutely, he can outstrike Jack. But is it wise to outstrike him? I feel we can, but it may not be. It may be a better deal to do what Belal should have done — and that’s something I know Islam will do.” Mendez said.
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Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez believes Islam can outstrike Jack but he would prefer takedowns:
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 11, 2025
"Can he take Jack down? Absolutely, he can take Jack down. Can he outstrike Jack? Absolutely, he can outstrike Jack. But is it wise to outstrike him? I feel we can, but it may… pic.twitter.com/AGMF7mnYK4
The bout hasn’t been confirmed yet, but fans could hear an official announcement from UFC President Dana White during International Fight Week. While there’s no confirmation, fans will have to wait for further updates.
Also Read: UFC Veteran Has Words Of Praise For Belal Muhammad Despite Brutal Loss
