Belal Muhammad ignored “gameplan” against Jack Della Maddalena at the UFC 315: “I'm going to live with that”
In front at the UFC 315, reasonable expectations were that Belal Muhammad against Jack Della Maddalena was a case grappling against attacker. Few people expected Muhammad so much with Della Maddalena. Muhammad finally lost his defense of the Welter weight title, and he says that his BRAW decision
Della Maddalena and Muhammad each launched around 350 strikes in their headliner on the à la carte of May 10. Della Maddalena won harder and more precise strikes, but Muhammad mainly held up. It was a surprising approach not only for fans, but also the corner of Muhammad.
“Obviously, for us, our strategy was to dismantle Jack, it was not to blow with him, to fight with him,” said Muhammad “Remember the show” podcast. “But guy, it's a strange moment when you train for something, and you improve in something, which I think my shot has grown so much.
“I always said it, and what I said in my head, I didn't lie. I can box with him. I can hit with him. I am not afraid to box with anyone.”
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Shakiel Mahjouri
Muhammad bread and butter are his struggle, with 75% of his future victories per decision. The former Welter weight champion heard criticism about his strike, in particular against one of the best boxers in Welter weights. It may have stimulated his desire to make, a decision with which Muhammad is comfortable.
“I can hit this guy and people tell me that I can't go and hit with him,” said Muhammad. “Obviously, we lost the fight, but we stood on foot, and people can say what they want to say. I went against the match plan, and in the end, I will live with that.
“But that was summed up in a turn, perhaps an exchange that could have influenced the judges in this way. So, was my game plan false? It could have gone in the other direction. Could it have been an easier fight? It could have, but at the end of the day, I like to fight.”
It would be wrong to suggest that Della Maddalena won strictly because Muhammad stood with him. Muhammad attempted nine withdrawals over 25 minutes, but only succeeded three times. Della Maddalena also managed to get off from her back, abandoning less than three minutes of total control time. The judges awarded a pair of 48-47 to Della Maddalena and a dashboard 49-46.
“There is still room for improvement, and I will use the fight and improve myself,” said Muhammad. “I'm going to win it again. I'm going to recover my belt. There is nothing that will stop me.”
