UFC 315: Montreal’s Fight Night Delivers Drama, Stakes, and Surprises
You put money on this? Because we did. The UFC’s long-awaited return to Montreal for UFC 315 on May 10, 2025, brought a night packed with high-stakes title fights, comeback stories, and the kind of drama only MMA can deliver. Hosted at the Bell Centre, this pay-per-view event not only marked the promotion’s first visit to the city since 2015 but also set the stage for pivotal moments in multiple divisions.
Welterweight Main Event: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena
The spotlight was firmly on the welterweight championship as Belal Muhammad made his first defense against Australia’s surging contender Jack Della Maddalena. Muhammad entered the Octagon with a formidable 24-3 record and riding an 11-fight unbeaten streak, his last loss dating back to 2019. He captured the title from Leon Edwards in July 2024 and was looking to cement his reign with a statement win.
Jack Della Maddalena, meanwhile, brought a 17-fight win streak and an undefeated UFC record into the bout. Despite his impressive run, experts and oddsmakers largely favored Muhammad, citing his relentless pressure, volume striking, and wrestling prowess. However, Maddalena’s finishing ability and momentum had many fans believing in an upset.
The outcome of this clash was seen as pivotal-not just for the welterweight division but also for the UFC’s matchmaking in 2025, with ripple effects potentially influencing title pictures in other weight classes.
Co-Main Event: Shevchenko vs. Fiorot
The women’s flyweight title was also on the line as Valentina Shevchenko, fresh off reclaiming her belt in a dominant trilogy win over Alexa Grasso, faced France’s Manon Fiorot. Shevchenko, a legend of the division, aimed to prove she was still at the top of her game, but Fiorot’s speed and technical striking posed a serious threat. Many analysts predicted Fiorot could outpoint the champion, with some even picking her as a slight favorite.
Main Card Highlights and Local Heroes
Beyond the title bouts, UFC 315 featured compelling storylines. Canadian fighter Kyle Prepolec made a dramatic return after a five-year absence, stepping in on short notice to face Benoit Saint-Denis in a lightweight bout. Prepolec’s comeback was a major talking point for local fans, as he looked to make the most of his second chance in front of a home crowd.
Another notable matchup saw Montreal’s own Aiemann Zahabi face UFC legend Jose Aldo. Zahabi, fighting in his hometown, was tipped by some as the event’s biggest potential winner, with a victory over Aldo representing a career-defining moment.
Atmosphere, Rivalries, and Ticket Drama
The build-up to UFC 315 was charged with more than just athletic rivalry. The event’s U.S.-Canada dynamic fueled a war of words, adding extra spice to the proceeding. However, not everything was smooth behind the scenes-ticket sales reportedly lagged, sparking debate about the UFC’s promotional strategy in the Canadian market.
Final Thoughts
UFC 315 delivered on its promise of high drama, with championship implications, local heroes, and international rivalries all converging in Montreal. Whether Muhammad’s reign continued, Maddalena shocked the world, or new champions emerged, the event’s outcomes were set to shape the UFC landscape for the rest of 2025 and beyond.