Chaotic matchmaking in Dana White’s 170-pound division called out by rising star ahead of UFC 315

UFC welterweight star talks about the ongoing drama in the welterweight division that Dana White will have to take care of soon.

Chaotic matchmaking in Dana White’s 170-pound division called out by rising star ahead of UFC 315

UFC welterweight division needs clarity (via Imago/X)

The UFC welterweight division is filled with absolute killers, making it one of the most competitive divisions on the roster. With Belal Muhammad as the reigning champion, contenders are now circling, hungry for a chance to claim that prestigious gold belt. Shavkat Rakhmonov, Sean Brady, and Ian Garry are desperate to fight for the title and change their careers forever.

Given the situation, all eyes are on CEO Dana White and his decisions regarding how to move the division forward. Brady, in his last outing, finished former welterweight champion Leon Edwards in dominant fashion and called out for a title shot. However, the Philly fighter understands the ongoing title contender chaos in the division and recently talked about it openly and in detail.

Whoever wins that fight [Kamaru vs Buckley] is going to say they deserve the title shot. I’m like, ‘I’m No.1 — I get a title shot.’ You got Ian Garry saying he gets a title shot. You got Shavkat thinking he’s getting a title shot…It’s going to be interesting to see how the next couple of fights play out.

Sean Brady via SteadyPicks

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley, at the upcoming UFC Atlanta card is a major test for the former champion. If Buckley wins it, it will be his seventh win in a row, putting him close to a title shot. Rakhmonov is already the #1 contender and can come out of injury anytime to challenge for the belt. 

Garry, in his last bout, defeated rising knockout artist Carlos Prates via unanimous decision, making his case stronger. Brady understands this complicated situation and is also ready to fight Garry next in a title eliminator. The Philly native also talked about the possibility of the pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, moving up to fight for the welterweight gold.

However, that will only happen if Jack Della Maddalena beats Belal Muhammad at the upcoming UFC 315 PPV event. Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena is scheduled to take place in Montreal, Canada. Many understand the significance of this crucial bout, and have already come forward to share their respective predictions and expectations.

UFC 170-pound GOAT drops his prediction for Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena 

Belal Muhammad’s rise in the UFC has been remarkable, evolving from an overlooked contender to a respected welterweight champion. He became champion by destroying Leon Edwards, silencing critics, and proving he belongs at the top of the welterweight division hierarchy. Once labeled a boring fighter, Muhammad has now completely changed the narrative.

Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena prediction
Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena prediction (his X)

Apart from his dominating win, Muhammad’s beef and trash-talking have also helped him gain a fan following. Despite the constant criticism for lack of finishes, the 170-pound champion still shines, and UFC welterweight GOAT Georges St-Pierre understands the appeal. In a recent interview, he talked about Muhammad and also had his prediction for the upcoming title bout in Canada. 

Belal is the complete package. He’s good everywhere and he’s got a very awkward style that throws a lot of people off, especially standing up in the striking department. Jack, on the other side, he’s on a tear. He’s got a good momentum, he’s on a winning streak and it’s going to be an interesting fight. On one side, Jack, I think could have the advantages in the striking department but it’s not only a kickboxing match, it’s mixed martial arts and that’s when I believe Belal Muhammad takes advantage of it. 

Georges St-Pierre via BloodyElbow 

Della Maddalena, on the other hand, is confident about getting his hands on the title at UFC 315. The Aussie star has also talked about beating Muhammad and fighting Islam Makhachev to take revenge for Alexander Volkanovski. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see how this fight turns out and its impact on other contenders.

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