Jack Della Maddalena dominates as UFC 315 main event shifts power in welterweight race

Jack Della Maddalena delivered the performance of his career at UFC 315 on 18 June, dismantling a former welterweight champion to seize control of the division’s top spot.

What happened at UFC 315?

Della Maddalena faced **Gilbert Burns** in the main event on 18 June at UFC 315 in Las Vegas. The Australian welterweight used relentless top control and sharp boxing to outpoint Burns over three rounds, earning a unanimous decision victory. The win marked Della Maddalena’s sixth straight finish in the UFC and his third against ranked opponents.

Why this result matters for Jack Della Maddalena

The victory vaults Della Maddalena to No. 2 in the UFC welterweight rankings. Burns, a former welterweight title challenger, entered on a three-fight win streak but struggled to counter Della Maddalena’s wrestling and striking. The Australian’s cardio and volume punching forced Burns into mistakes, with significant strikes landing at a 2-to-1 clip.

What comes next for the welterweight contender

Della Maddalena’s camp confirmed talks for a potential title shot against **Leon Edwards** later this year. Edwards, the current welterweight champion, has until 15 August to make a mandatory defense. A win over Burns strengthens Della Maddalena’s case for the next mandatory slot. The Australian remains undefeated in the UFC at 16-0, with 11 finishes.

How the fight unfolded round by round

Round 1 saw Burns stalking early, but Della Maddalena took him down twice and landed 18 significant strikes. Round 2 opened with Burns tagging Della Maddalena clean, but the Aussie answered with a takedown and ground strikes. Round 3 sealed the decision as Della Maddalena outstruck Burns 34-12 in total strikes for the night.