Context:

Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena engaged in a heated verbal exchange at the UFC 315 press conference, escalating the tension ahead of their welterweight title fight in Montreal. Muhammad, who recently won the title by defeating Leon Edwards, confidently predicted that he would 'break' Della Maddalena, asserting his readiness to dominate the fight. Della Maddalena, known for his knockout power with 14 finishes in 17 victories, dismissed Muhammad's threats, emphasizing his confidence and resilience. Training with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Muhammad is expected to utilize his grappling skills, although he has expressed a preference for boxing. As the press conference concluded, their face-off turned tense, with Della Maddalena's attempt to provoke Muhammad being met with a swift response, further intensifying the rivalry.

Dive Deeper:

• The UFC 315 press conference saw Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena exchange intense verbal jabs, heightening anticipation for their upcoming title fight in Montreal. Muhammad, the current champion, has been vocal about his intention to defeat Della Maddalena decisively.

• Muhammad, who secured the championship with a victory over Leon Edwards, expressed confidence in his ability to break Della Maddalena, suggesting that the referee would need to intervene to stop the fight.

• Della Maddalena, a formidable finisher with 14 of his 17 wins coming by knockout, remains unfazed by Muhammad's claims. He questioned Muhammad's history of breaking opponents and asserted his determination to withstand any challenge posed by the champion.

• Muhammad's training with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Eagles MMA suggests a strategic focus on grappling to counter Della Maddalena's striking, yet Muhammad has publicly stated his comfort with boxing and vowed not to take the fight to the ground.

• The pre-fight face-off added to the tension as Della Maddalena attempted to provoke Muhammad by extending his fists, only for Muhammad to swat them away, signaling a fierce competitive spirit and a personal rivalry.

• Both fighters have engaged in psychological warfare, with Muhammad's bold predictions and Della Maddalena's dismissive responses adding layers to the narrative surrounding the title bout.

• The fight's buildup is marked by contrasting fighting styles and personalities, with Muhammad's grappling expertise and Della Maddalena's knockout power promising an intriguing clash of skills and strategies in the octagon.

• Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad traded barbs during the UFC 315 press conference on Thursday.

• The welterweight clash, which headlines the card in Montreal this weekend, has been a slow burn with fans. However, the pre-fight antics have raised the stakes in what was already a necessary title fight.

• After capturing the belt in his last outing in a convincing decision victory over Leon Edwards, Muhammad opened the verbal exchange, insisting since the fight was announced that he's going to break the Australian.

• "He’s going to need the referee to save him on Saturday night, when I break him," he said.

• MORE: One man's beating is another man's 'blessing': Jack Della Maddalena one step away from golden goal

• When Della Maddalena was questioned about his opponent's confidence, he was quick to start sledging back.

• "I’d be pretty embarrassed to be broken by him, he’s never broken anyone so I’m not too worried," he said.

• The 28-year-old from Perth has 14 finishes in his 17 victories, 12 of those coming by way of knockout.

• As one of the most devastating finishers in the division, Della Maddalena remains unfazed by the threat Muhammad poses in his ability to end the fight before going to the scorecards.

• "He’s never taken anyone’s soul, so he’s not taking my soul," he said.

• MORE: Upcoming fights for Australian and New Zealand UFC athletes

• A lot has been made of the champion's strategy in the build up to the bout. 

• Spending time training with the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov and Eagles MMA, it is expected that Muhammad will use his grappling prowess to nullify the striking skills of Della Maddalena.

• However, Muhammad has continually emphasised his comfort in the boxing ranges and has even made promises not to ground the fight.

• When asked if this was a legitimate strategy, or simply gamesmanship on the part of his opponent, the Aussie made it clear that he would invite that approach, but is doubtful that the champion actually follows through with it.

• "Yeah, it would be nice, but I don’t think that’s going to happen," he said.

• The two men faced off at the conclusion of the press conference and things escalated when Della Maddalena extended his fists towards Muhammad, who promptly swatted his hands away.