SHOCK UPSET: Jack Della Maddalena Dethrones Belal Muhammad to Claim UFC Welterweight Crown
The UFC welterweight division has a new king, and his name is Jack Della Maddalena.
In what might be the biggest upset of 2025 so far, the Australian striker masterfully neutralized Belal Muhammad’s wrestling game to claim the 170-pound championship in stunning fashion last night. I’ve covered hundreds of title fights, but few have featured such a dramatic shift in expected outcomes as this one.
Wrestling Nullified: The Game-Changing Strategy
Let’s be real—we all expected Muhammad to implement his signature wrestling pressure that wore down Leon Edwards and countless others. But Della Maddalena had other plans.
The Aussie challenger allowed just ONE takedown throughout the entire championship bout. ONE! Against a guy who’s built his entire career on dominating opponents with relentless wrestling. The Perth native’s takedown defense was nothing short of miraculous, forcing Muhammad into uncomfortable striking exchanges where Della Maddalena’s crisp combinations repeatedly found their mark.
“I knew if I could keep it standing, I’d have my hand raised,” Della Maddalena told me in the post-fight press conference. “We drilled defensive wrestling six hours a day for this camp. My hips were screaming at me by the end, but man, it was worth every second.”
The Fight Breakdown: How JDM Shocked the World
From the opening bell, it was clear something was different. Muhammad shot for his first takedown just 30 seconds in, only to be met with perfect defensive positioning from the challenger. By round two, Belal looked visibly frustrated as his bread-and-butter game plan evaporated.
Della Maddalena’s counter striking was the story of the night. That lead left hook? Absolute money. The body work? Brutal. By championship rounds, Muhammad was hesitant to engage, a far cry from the pressure fighter who dominated his way to the title.
Fight Statistics That Tell The Story
| Category | Della Maddalena | Muhammad |
|---|---|---|
| Significant Strikes | 127 | 78 |
| Takedowns | 0/0 | 1/17 |
| Control Time | 0:42 | 3:17 |
What’s Next for the New Champion?
The welterweight division just got a whole lot more interesting, folks. Shavkat Rakhmonov immediately took to social media, posting simply: “I’m next.” And who could forget Belal will certainly be pushing for an immediate rematch.
But if you’re asking me, the most intriguing matchup might be against former champion Kamaru Usman, who’s been quietly working his way back into contention. Usman’s wrestling credentials would present another fascinating stylistic challenge for the new champion.
The Australian Takeover Continues
Della Maddalena joins countrymen Alexander Volkanovski (former featherweight champ) and Robert Whittaker (former middleweight champ) as Australian fighters who’ve climbed to the top of the UFC mountain. Is it something in the water down under?
Australian MMA has never been hotter, and this victory puts Della Maddalena in position to become one of the sport’s biggest international stars. His crowd-pleasing style and genuine personality could make him a promotional goldmine for the UFC.
What This Means for Belal Muhammad
Let’s not write off Remember The Name just yet. Muhammad’s incredible 10-fight unbeaten streak and championship run proved he belongs among the elite. The question now is whether he can adjust his approach for a potential rematch.
Sometimes champions return stronger after losing their titles—just look at what happened with Stipe Miocic and Leon Edwards. Muhammad’s path back to the belt will depend on his ability to evolve his wrestling entries and develop a more dynamic striking arsenal.
The Bottom Line: A New Era Begins
Jack Della Maddalena didn’t just win a championship last night—he announced the arrival of a new era in the welterweight division. His combination of elite striking and now-proven takedown defense makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone at 170 pounds.
For fight fans, this shocking upset reminds us why we love this sport. On any given night, the seemingly impossible becomes reality. The welterweight division just got a whole lot more interesting.
What did you think of Della Maddalena’s performance? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let me know who you want to see him defend against first!
Source: Al Jazeera