Belal Muhammad Vows ‘Canelo Hands’ Will Knock Out Jack Della Maddalena in Three Rounds

Belal Muhammad is entering UFC 315 with supreme confidence and bold predictions. As he prepares to face rising star Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC Welterweight Championship, Muhammad has declared that his striking — which he now refers to as “Canelo hands” — will be the key to ending the fight within three rounds. The showdown, set to take place on May 10, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, is already one of the most anticipated clashes of the year.

Belal Muhammad’s Rise to the Top

For years, Belal Muhammad has flown under the radar despite quietly compiling one of the most impressive unbeaten streaks in the UFC welterweight division. Riding a 10-fight unbeaten run, Muhammad has built his reputation on durability, fight IQ, and relentless pressure. However, this time around, he’s not just promising dominance — he’s predicting a spectacular knockout.

When asked about his strategy for the upcoming bout, Muhammad confidently stated that his striking has reached elite levels, drawing comparisons to boxing legend Canelo Álvarez. Referring to his fists as “Canelo hands,” he suggested that his boxing technique is now sharp enough to finish the fight within three rounds, a bold proclamation that quickly caught the attention of the MMA world.

“Canelo Hands” and Championship Confidence

The phrase “Canelo hands” isn’t just for show. Muhammad believes he’s fine-tuned his boxing to a degree that will overwhelm Della Maddalena. Known for his cardio and wrestling, Muhammad has always had underrated stand-up, but this is the first time he’s openly centered his strategy around a striking-first approach.

“I’ve been putting people away in the gym. I’m sharper than ever. My hands? Canelo-level. Jack’s going to feel it in the first round, and by the third, it’ll be over,” Muhammad said in a pre-fight interview. The confidence oozing from Muhammad is no accident — he’s spent years climbing the ladder, waiting for the spotlight that now shines directly on him.

Jack Della Maddalena Isn’t Intimidated

Despite the knockout warning, Jack Della Maddalena remains unfazed. The 27-year-old Australian has earned a reputation as one of the most technical strikers in the division. With a perfect 7-0 UFC record, Della Maddalena has shown he can deliver highlight-reel finishes — even fighting through adversity. In his last bout, he shockingly fought with a broken arm and still managed to secure a knockout victory, a performance that left fans and analysts in awe.

In response to Muhammad’s “Canelo hands” comment, Della Maddalena coolly replied that he plans to employ “Mayweather defense” — a nod to the elusive and legendary style of Floyd Mayweather Jr. According to him, Muhammad’s pressure will be met with precise counters, high fight IQ, and superior head movement.

“I’m not the guy you walk down. I’ll show him what real defense looks like. He’s going to try to bully me and end up getting schooled,” Della Maddalena remarked confidently.

A Clash of Styles: Pressure vs. Precision

This bout is more than just a title fight — it’s a clash of contrasting fighting philosophies. Muhammad brings relentless pace, top-tier cardio, and now, according to him, elite-level hands. On the other side, Della Maddalena is a smooth, crisp striker with excellent timing and defensive awareness.

If Muhammad keeps his word and turns this into a striking battle, fans could be treated to an action-packed chess match, where the first to make a mistake may pay the ultimate price. However, if Muhammad mixes in his wrestling, the dynamic could shift dramatically. The unknown lies in whether Muhammad is truly ready to commit to this striking evolution or if his “Canelo hands” are simply part of a deeper psychological strategy.

What’s at Stake at UFC 315

This isn’t just another fight night. UFC 315 holds massive implications for the future of the welterweight division. A win for Muhammad would validate his long-overdue push into the elite and cement his place as a legitimate champion with knockout power. It would also prove that his new focus on striking is more than just talk.

For Della Maddalena, the stakes are equally high. A victory over Muhammad would give him his first UFC title and solidify his place as one of the most dangerous strikers in the game. It would also mark the next chapter in Australia’s growing presence in MMA, following the footsteps of stars like Alexander Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker.

Expert Opinions and Fan Expectations

MMA analysts are split on this matchup. Some see Muhammad’s well-roundedness as the deciding factor, particularly if he utilizes his wrestling to disrupt Della Maddalena’s rhythm. Others argue that the Australian’s clean striking and underrated grappling defense could spell trouble for Muhammad if he tries to get too flashy.

Fans, meanwhile, are buzzing about the potential for a true barnburner. The combination of trash talk, bold predictions, and stylistic tension has created massive hype around the matchup. The idea of “Canelo hands” meeting “Mayweather defense” is as intriguing as it is unpredictable.

Fight Night Details

UFC 315 takes place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV, while the prelims will start at 6 p.m. ET. The welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena serves as the main event.

Final Thoughts: Will “Canelo Hands” Deliver?

Belal Muhammad has made his intentions clear: he’s not just coming to win — he’s coming to finish the fight in dominant fashion. The pressure is now on him to back up his words against one of the most dangerous finishers in the division.

Will the “Canelo hands” live up to the hype, or will Della Maddalena’s “Mayweather defense” prove too slick to penetrate? As the cage door closes at UFC 315, the world will be watching to see if Muhammad’s bold prediction becomes a legendary highlight or a humbling miscalculation.