The MMA world is still reeling from the jaw-dropping war at UFC 315, where Jack Della Maddalena dethroned Belal Muhammad in a five-round epic to claim the welterweight title. The stunning display of heart, skill, and sheer violence left the Bell Centre in Montreal electrified—and now, the pros are buzzing with one question: Is a champion vs. champion showdown between Della Maddalena and lightweight king Islam Makhachev next? The reactions are pouring in, and the MMA community is on fire with anticipation.

A War for the Ages

The main event at UFC 315 delivered far beyond expectations. Belal Muhammad, the 36-year-old Palestinian-American champion, entered the fight on a 10-fight win streak, having claimed the welterweight belt with a dominant decision over Leon Edwards in July 2024. Facing him was Jack Della Maddalena, the 28-year-old Australian knockout artist with a 17-fight win streak, known for his slick boxing and ferocious power. What unfolded was a brutal, back-and-forth battle that saw both fighters pushed to their limits.

Della Maddalena owned the center of the Octagon, using his superior striking to tag Muhammad with crisp combinations and a devastating knee in the fifth round that opened a nasty cut on the champion’s face. Muhammad, known for his wrestling, surprisingly relied more on striking, landing heavy shots and securing a few late takedowns—but it wasn’t enough. “JDM” showcased elite takedown defense, stuffing most of Muhammad’s attempts and quickly scrambling back to his feet when taken down. After 25 minutes of relentless action, the judges scored it 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Della Maddalena, crowning him the new welterweight champion and extending his win streak to 18.

Pros React to the Madness

The fight’s intensity and unexpected outcome sent shockwaves through the MMA world, with fighters and analysts taking to social media to share their reactions. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, a close friend and training partner of Muhammad, wasted no time in responding to the result. “Time to become a double champion,” Makhachev posted, hinting at a potential move up to welterweight to challenge Della Maddalena—a fight he had previously avoided due to his friendship with Muhammad. The prospect of “Islam vs. JDM” has set the MMA community ablaze, with many seeing it as a blockbuster clash of styles.

Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who had predicted a Della Maddalena victory, celebrated the new champ. “F—— Jack Della Maddalena, ‘And New’, baby! Told you!” Adesanya exclaimed on his YouTube channel, praising JDM’s boxing and resilience. Meanwhile, Daniel Cormier was left in awe of the fight’s quality, stating on his ESPN show, “That was an instant classic! JDM’s striking was on another level, but Belal showed the heart of a lion. Islam vs. JDM next? That’s the fight to make!”

Other pros were equally stunned. Lightweight contender Charles Oliveira commented, “JDM looked unstoppable, but Islam at welterweight? That’s a scary thought.” Welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov, who was originally slated to face Muhammad before an injury sidelined him, posted, “Congrats to Jack, but I’ll be ready for the winner later this year.” The reactions highlight the seismic impact of the fight and the immediate ripple effects on the UFC landscape.

What’s Next: Islam vs. JDM?

Della Maddalena didn’t shy away from the challenge in his post-fight interview. “I think [a fight with Makhachev] is a beautiful challenge. He’s pound-for-pound No. 1, and I’m gonna get him back for Volk,” he said, referencing Makhachev’s two victories over Australian star Alexander Volkanovski. The callout adds fuel to the fire, as Australia now boasts another champion alongside Volkanovski and middleweight king Robert Whittaker, and JDM seems eager to settle the score for his countrymen.

Makhachev, who has long expressed interest in capturing a second belt, now has a clear path to do so with Muhammad no longer holding the title. The lightweight champ’s grappling prowess against Della Maddalena’s elite striking and improving takedown defense would make for a fascinating matchup. However, other contenders like Rakhmonov, who is expected to return later in 2025, and even a potential rematch with Muhammad, could complicate the picture. For now, the MMA world is buzzing with the possibility of a superfight that could redefine the sport.

A Legacy-Defining Moment

For Belal Muhammad, the loss ends an incredible 11-fight unbeaten streak and his brief reign as champion. Despite the defeat, Muhammad earned respect for his toughness, landing significant strikes and nearly turning the tide in the championship rounds. “Belal is the man, he’s a tough dude, so hard to put away,” Della Maddalena acknowledged post-fight, a testament to Muhammad’s resilience.

For Jack Della Maddalena, this victory cements his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. His performance at UFC 315 was a masterclass in striking and defensive grappling, proving he can hang with the division’s elite grapplers while dominating on the feet. As the dust settles, the question on everyone’s mind is whether JDM can continue his reign against the likes of Makhachev—or if this war with Muhammad was just the beginning of an unforgettable championship run. One thing is certain: the welterweight division just got a lot more exciting.