Fans of mixed martial arts in Quebec have been waiting for this moment for 10 years. And if the public press conference is an indicator of what awaits us on Saturday evening, the atmosphere will be boosted for the return of the UFC to Montreal.
“I did not realize that it was for so long,” replied the president of the UFC, Dana White, when questioned about the reason for this long absence. You saw the energy while only a small part of the amphitheater was open. On Saturday, the arena will be packed and the atmosphere will be extraordinary. Canadian supporters are special. “
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The crowd was obviously reserved for its best welcome to the Quebecer Aiemann Zahabi, who was smiling and who really seemed to take advantage of every moment.
“It’s an honor for me to fight against a legend like Jose Aldo. It’s also a historic moment for me to fight at home, at the Bell Center, “he said under the applause nourished by spectators.
A final that will have great implications
The final of the event promises to be very raised while Belal Muhammad, who has won his last 10 fights, will try to defend his title of the Movies for the first time against Jack Della Maddalena, who surfs on a sequence of 17 victories.
Moreover, the winner of this duel could be the one who will welcome the champion of light weights, Islam Makhachev, in the upper division, later this year.
“This is undoubtedly an option. Saturday’s result will have an impact on Makhachev’s next fight, “confirmed White, without giving more details.
Daghestani is considered the best “book for book” fighter in the world. However, he is very close to Muhammad and the two friends have often said that they would never come across iron.
If Muhammad remains champion at 170 pounds, expect the UFC rather organizing a championship fight at 155 pounds between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, the former featherweight champion.
-An unloved champion
Belal Muhammad is a full fighter who has not lost since 2019. But the champion is still an unhealthy lovers because of his style deemed too conservative.
“It’s a difficult sport and amateurs are very demanding. It can take time before winning their hearts, ”said Dana White.
“If he continues to accumulate victories, people will respect him. They may not like it, but they will respect it. ”
This is what Muhammad means who promised to win before the limit, while “stealing the soul” of his opponent in passing.
“One of the best of all time”
In the semi-finals, the Grande Valentina Shevchenko will put its female flies weight against the formidable Manon Fiorot.
The fighter from Kyrgyzstan will be in her 12th consecutive championship fight, which certainly makes her one of the best fighters in the history of mixed martial arts.
“Some people say it is Valentina, while others opt for Amanda Nunes. No one is wrong, ”says Dana White.
“If she wins Saturday evening against Manon, who is a real beast, the debate will become more intense than ever.”
Shevchenko and Fiorot are two of the best standing fighters in the organization. The first is a Thai boxing specialist, the second in Karate. In addition, they do not like each other much. The table is put for an epic duel which could very well transform into the fight of the evening.
The UFC 315 will be presented this Saturday. Do not miss the preliminary card from 8 p.m., on TVA Sports 2. The main fights will be available on TV Indigo from 10 p.m.
Benoit Beaudoin sums up the press conference of the UFC 315 –
