Belal Muhammad Criticized by Joe Rogan Before UFC 315: Will His Boring Fighting Style Lead to a Heavy Loss Against Jack Della Maddalena

Belal Muhammad may be the reigning UFC welterweight champion, but not everyone is sold on his style—or his staying power. With UFC 315 rapidly approaching, where Muhammad will defend his belt against the surging Jack Della Maddalena in Montreal, fans and analysts alike are dissecting every angle of the fight. But one voice stands out louder than most: Joe Rogan, the longtime UFC commentator and podcast icon, who recently took aim at Muhammad’s fighting approach.

On his popular show, Rogan bluntly described Muhammad’s performances as “unremarkable” and claimed the champion lacks the star power or finishing instinct to capture the imagination of casual fans. His remarks have reignited debate across the MMA community: is Muhammad’s style “boring,” or is he simply misunderstood? And more importantly, will his cautious, grind-heavy strategy hold up against a precise striker like Jack Della Maddalena?

This article dives deep into the brewing tension ahead of UFC 315—analyzing Muhammad’s track record, Della Maddalena’s rise, and the sharp criticism that could either motivate the champion or foreshadow his downfall.

Joe Rogan calls out Belal Muhammad’s fighting style

In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the UFC commentator didn’t hold back when discussing Belal Muhammad’s reign as champion. Rogan praised Muhammad’s cardio and toughness, but criticized what he perceives as a lack of explosiveness and an overly conservative game plan.

“Belal is a grinder, no doubt, but people don’t tune in for five rounds of cage control and jabs,” Rogan said. “He’s effective, but it’s not exciting. That kind of style doesn’t last forever when the UFC is all about moments—knockouts, highlight reels, big drama.”

Rogan’s critique quickly made headlines, especially considering the timing. With Muhammad set to defend his title at UFC 315 on May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Rogan’s remarks added pressure to an already intense matchup. Fans began speculating: would this criticism fuel Muhammad to deliver a statement win, or would it expose a vulnerability in his approach that Jack Della Maddalena is poised to exploit?

Belal Muhammad’s grind-it-out approach: Effective or outdated?

Muhammad has built a career on consistency. He doesn’t possess the one-punch knockout power of Jorge Masvidal or the freak athleticism of Kamaru Usman, but his ability to shut opponents down and control pace is undeniable. He’s currently riding a nine-fight unbeaten streak, with wins over names like Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and Gilbert Burns.

Yet, many of those wins have lacked fireworks. Decisions, wrestling-heavy tactics, and minimal risk-taking have become staples of his game—leading to the perception that Belal Muhammad is a safe but unexciting champion.

While hardcore fans appreciate the chess-match dynamics of his fights, casual viewers often see 25-minute decision wins as uneventful. In the modern UFC landscape—where viral knockouts, loud personalities, and massive pay-per-view sales drive opportunities—Muhammad’s style might not be enough to keep him in the spotlight, even with a belt around his waist.

Jack Della Maddalena: A knockout artist on the rise

If Muhammad is the master of control, Jack Della Maddalena is the embodiment of chaos. The Australian welterweight has climbed the rankings with precision striking, highlight-reel finishes, and an aura of silent confidence. With 17 wins and 12 knockouts on his record, Della Maddalena brings the kind of power that can shift momentum in an instant.

At UFC 315, he enters as the challenger—but to many fans, he’s the favorite to steal the show. His slick boxing, fast combinations, and killer instinct pose a direct threat to Muhammad’s methodical style.

More than that, Della Maddalena represents the kind of fighter the UFC loves to promote: young, exciting, and always hunting for the finish. If he defeats Muhammad in convincing fashion, he could be the next breakout star in the welterweight division.

Is Joe Rogan’s criticism justified?

Joe Rogan has always been vocal about what makes a fighter popular—and in his view, Muhammad doesn’t check the boxes. But is that fair?

Muhammad’s supporters argue that he’s being unfairly dismissed. They point to his dominant win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 as proof that he can control elite fighters. He also accepted that fight on short notice, showing a willingness to step up when others won’t.

However, critics counter that even his biggest wins come with caveats. Burns fought injured, and Muhammad didn’t finish him. Against fighters like Leon Edwards and Vicente Luque, Muhammad’s game plan leaned heavily on wrestling and point scoring.

Rogan’s take isn’t just about technique—it’s about marketability, excitement, and the ability to draw fans. And in that department, Muhammad still lags behind flashier, risk-taking fighters.

The stakes at UFC 315 couldn’t be higher

For Belal Muhammad, UFC 315 is a must-win moment. Not just to retain his belt, but to silence critics and shift the narrative about his style. If he grinds out another five-round decision against Della Maddalena, he may keep the title—but he might lose the fans.

On the other hand, if he can mix things up, showcase aggression, and even secure a finish, Muhammad could flip the script and earn respect across the MMA world. That kind of win would also set up bigger fights—possibly even a showdown with Conor McGregor, who has recently taken shots at Muhammad online.

For Della Maddalena, the opportunity is clear: beat the champion, win the belt, and become a star. A knockout win would launch him into the stratosphere and possibly set up future mega-fights with names like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Colby Covington, or even McGregor himself.

Three bold keywords that define the matchup

Belal Muhammad criticized for boring fighting style

The narrative going into UFC 315 is shaped by Joe Rogan’s remarks, and the phrase “boring fighting style” has become attached to Muhammad like a shadow. Whether fair or not, it’s now up to the champion to change perceptions—or be defined by them.

Jack Della Maddalena’s knockout potential threatens champion’s reign

Della Maddalena’s ability to end fights suddenly adds a layer of danger Muhammad hasn’t faced in years. If Muhammad isn’t willing to adapt or engage, he may find himself overwhelmed by a storm he can’t neutralize.

UFC 315 could determine the future of the welterweight division

Beyond the belt, UFC 315 could reshape the division’s power structure. A Muhammad win solidifies a reign that may become hard to break. A Della Maddalena win opens the doors to exciting new matchups and a stylistic shift in the welterweight class.

Can Muhammad rise above the criticism?

Some fighters crumble under public scrutiny, while others use it as fuel. For Belal Muhammad, Joe Rogan’s comments could light a fire that’s long been missing. This is more than just another title defense—it’s a career-defining moment.

If Muhammad can silence critics by delivering a high-paced, aggressive performance, he’ll not only keep his belt but reshape how the MMA world views him. He doesn’t need to become a showman like McGregor or a knockout artist like Masvidal—but he does need to evolve.

A finish at UFC 315 would be the perfect answer to Rogan’s criticisms. Even a dominant, one-sided decision could do the trick—if Muhammad controls every second of the fight and makes Della Maddalena look ordinary.

The final verdict: a clash of styles, legacy, and perception

UFC 315 is more than just another event—it’s a referendum on what fans value in a champion. Belal Muhammad’s grinding, risk-averse style has brought him this far, but against a hungry, dangerous striker like Jack Della Maddalena, it may not be enough.

Joe Rogan’s criticism has raised the stakes even higher. Now, the question isn’t just who will win—it’s how they will win. And that “how” could determine everything from fan loyalty to future matchups.

Will Muhammad prove that control and consistency can still rule the welterweight division? Or will Della Maddalena usher in a new era of explosive finishes and star power?

All eyes will be on Montreal on May 10. And regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: UFC 315 will have consequences far beyond the cage.