UFC Rumors: Insider Doubles Down on Belal Muhammad Being ‘Much Sicker’ Before Jack Della Maddalena Fight Than Expected

In the high-stakes world of the UFC, fighters often hide their vulnerabilities and struggles to present an image of toughness and invincibility. And this was the case in the main event of UFC 315, where Jack Della Maddalena out-struck Belal Muhammad for five rounds and earned a unanimous decision victory alongside the throne of the welterweights.

Before the fight, there were concerns regarding Belal Muhammad’s well-being and health, as he was in dire condition just half a year ago. Belal Muhammad had to pull out of UFC 310 against Shavkat Rakhmonov because of a severe bone infection (osteomyelitis) in his foot. A treatment that required hospitalization and circulatory antibiotics administered through a PICC line for six weeks. Highlighting this issue came a UFC legend who empathized with Muhammad’s ability to bounce back from the sickness to compete at UFC 315 and accepted the fight against Maddalena even if he was training to face Rakhmonov instead.

MMA: UFC 315 – Muhammad v Della Maddalena May 10, 2025 Montreal, Quebec, CANADA Belal Muhammad red gloves fights Jack Della Maddalena blue gloves during UFC 315 at Bell Centre. Montreal Bell Centre Quebec CANADA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xEricxBoltex 20250510_jhp_bb5_0341

The ‘Bad Guy’ of the UFC, Chael Sonnen, discussed the struggles of Muhammad that he never told the world about amid the build-up to UFC 315. Sonnen said, “This is a massive deal. He just beat up Belal Muhammad. And we had spoke about this, but Belal was much sicker than he let on. When Belal agreed to this fight, he wasn’t even agreeing to fight Jack Della Maddalena. In fact, when Belal agreed to the date, to make the walk, and to put the strap on the line, knowing how sick he was, he was actually agreeing to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov.” Explaining that after a treatment that had Belal with fully depleted stamina and endurance just six months ago, he somehow made his way back to the Octogan, and even in a loss, delivered a classic.

The UFC legend further added, “I just want you to understand from that perspective. There’s been a tendency to dance on his grave. As a fan, you’re not wrong to do that, you can boo him, you can despise him, you can get behind him, but it’s important, when you look back on something, to be fair. As soon as that belt comes off you, you’re not looking back thinking that was an error; that was a title reign, no matter how long or short. When you look back on it, that’s when you want to be fair.” 

Sonnen explained that it was Belal’s bravery that pushed him to choose to compete rather than sit back and do nothing. After Rakhmonov’s availability to compete after UFC 310 became unlikely, the matchmakers decided Maddalena would compete for the belt at UFC 315. Sonnen highlighted Belal’s bravery to choose to compete even after knowing he isn’t facing the number one contender. Alongside his personal struggles, the responsibilities on ‘Bully B’ already seem too much.

The point being made is that every fighter goes through such struggles, yet a bare minimum of it ever makes the surface. In between all this, his opponent at UFC 315, the new welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, turns out to be similar to Muhammad in this case. How so? Let’s read further to find out.

The chaos behind the curtains: Jack Della Maddalena’s injury stint before UFC 315

Many hated the Australian striker for getting his title shot at UFC 315 against Belal Muhammad. But none of them knew that it wasn’t a vacation where ‘JDM’ went for a year. Just like Muhammad’s bone infection depleted the Arab-American wrestler’s stamina, Maddalena, too, was suffering from an arm infection that caused him to stay out of action for so long.

Maddalena’s last appearance in the Octagon came at UFC 299 last year in March, when he beat Gilbert Burns by TKO in the third round. During the fight, Maddalena suffered a broken left arm. He underwent surgery to repair the fracture, but further complications came when his surgical wound split, which indicated an infection. This led to a second surgery where the bone was cleaned, and the metal plate was replaced.

The bad days weren’t over for the Aussie just yet, as he had to go through a third surgery due to further complications related to his massive intake of antibiotics and the necessary procedures required to drain them. In simpler words, the surgery was performed to remove infected tissue and bone, with plans for further surgeries to ensure complete recovery. Frequent setbacks in his surgeries and debilitating health forced ‘JDM’ to stay out of action for a much longer period, even missing the UFC 305 held in Perth, Australia.

At UFC 315, both Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena had become warriors long before they entered the Octagon. Their past struggles and paths to recovery from their respective challenges should be recognized as much as their legendary fight. Their stories serve as a testament to their dedication and the often unseen battles athletes face beyond the spotlight.

Even in loss, Belal seems ready to get back into the action as soon as he can. Jack is preparing to upset the world again and beat the 155-pound kingpin, Islam Makhachev. What do you think the future holds for these fighters? Let us know in the comments.

 

 

 

The post UFC Rumors: Insider Doubles Down on Belal Muhammad Being ‘Much Sicker’ Before Jack Della Maddalena Fight Than Expected appeared first on EssentiallySports.