UFC 315 Star Belal Muhammad Has ‘Zero Excuse’ For Loss; Admits Not Following Gameplan

Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad talks about his latest title loss against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315.

UFC 315 Star Belal Muhammad Has ‘Zero Excuse’ For Loss; Admits Not Following Gameplan

Belal Muhammad reveals using the wrong game plan against Jack Della Maddalena (via X)

One of the biggest shockers in 2025 was Belal Muhammad losing to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. Muhammad got outclassed by the Aussie superstar, who won the fight via unanimous decision after five gruelling rounds. Going into the fight, the Palestinian-American fighter had made several claims, and it ultimately led to his loss.

Last year at UFC 304, Muhammad dominated Leon Edwards to become champion with multiple takedowns and improved striking throughout the fight. Against JDM, he claims he didn’t attempt the same strategy and struggled to adapt as rounds progressed. On Remember The Show, Muhammad claimed the plan completely backfired and ultimately contributed to the unfortunate title loss.

For us, our strategy was to take down Jack. It wasn’t to go blow-for-blow with them, brawl-for-brawl with them. It’s a weird moment when you’re training something so much and you’re getting better at something. I think my striking has grown so much…. I could box with them. I could strike with them. Obviously, we lost the fight… I went against the game plan. I went on my own. At the end of the day, I’m gonna live with that. 

Muhammad explained that his team made no mistakes, but he ignored their suggestions and chose to follow his own approach. He believed the bout was close and didn’t view his striking as a failure despite being clearly outclassed in exchanges.

Known for a few finishes, he tried proving critics wrong and abandoned his usual pressure-heavy style, which cost him. However, that is just part of what Muhammad is claiming. He shot for 9 takedowns against JDM, and 13 against Edwards.

Leon Edwards didn’t fight back and looked mentally defeated in the bout. Meanwhile, JDM kept on moving, making it difficult for Muhammad to use his wrestling. A difference in 4 takedowns between both bouts tells a different story that ‘Bully B’ attempted his regular style, but JDM was just better.

However, this setback doesn’t seem to disturb Muhammad, as he remains fully confident about his skillset to regain the title. He once aimed to surpass Georges St-Pierre’s welterweight record and continues to hold that goal close to his heart. Now, Muhammad focuses on securing his next fight in the stacked welterweight division, ready to prove his place among the elites.

What’s next for Belal Muhammad?

Weirdly enough, losing to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 boosted Belal Muhammad’s popularity as an entertaining, gritty fighter. Despite constant criticism and online trolling, fans are now genuinely intrigued to witness Muhammad’s striking against other elite welterweight contenders. While many thought he’d take time off, the former Palestinian champion remains eager to bounce back stronger.

Belal Muhammad to fight Kamaru Usman in a potential matchup
Belal Muhammad to fight Kamaru Usman in a potential matchup (via X)

The current welterweight division is stacked with killers, each desperately waiting for their opportunity to earn a title shot. Among those contenders, Kamaru Usman stands out as Muhammad’s preferred challenge, fueled by tension from their long-standing personal beef.  On the recent podcast, Muhammad explained how he visualizes future fights.

Keep continuing to do what they think I can’t do. I’m going to be the guy that gets the belt again. I’m gonna be the guy that… I’m one fight away from winning the belt. I’m one fight away from being there, man. When I think of who it could be, obviously, jumps off the table if Kamaru wins, I feel like it’ll be Kamaru if he beats Buckley, gets past Buckley. You got Ian [Machado] Garry, you got [Sean] Brady, and then even if Buckley wins. 

Recently, former UFC champion Henry Cejudo revealed insights into the infamous dispute between Muhammad and Usman during their podcast appearance. Cejudo claimed the two fighters were involved in a physical altercation, which has made their escalating rivalry even more intriguing. Meanwhile, Usman is set to face rising star Joaquin Buckley, who’s riding a six-fight win streak and brimming with confidence.

If Usman wins his upcoming bout, fans may finally witness a grudge match against Muhammad, though he’s considered the underdog. Due to his age and recent performances, expectations are lower, but with his experience, anything is possible.  Meanwhile, as Muhammad mentioned, Ian Garry and Sean Brady are great matchups, though both are currently chasing direct title opportunities instead.

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