UFC 315 marks return of the octagon to Montréal
Sports
When it comes to hosting Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, Montréal has always punched above its weight. Now, the octagon is returning to Montréal this spring for the first time in 10 years with UFC 315, featuring a deep, action-packed card that will mark the eighth UFC event at the Bell Centre, the most of any venue in Canada.
An undisputed championship city
The UFC debuted in Montréal with UFC 83 in 2008, and the exciting recent announcement of UFC 315 — taking place at the Bell Centre on May 10 — will be the first competition held in the city since UFC 186 in 2015. La belle ville has played host to numerous historic fights showcasing mixed martial arts (MMA) legends including Nick Diaz, Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell, Michael Bisping and, of course, hometown hero Georges St-Pierre, a three-time UFC welterweight champion and formerly the number-one-ranked MMA welterweight in the world. And now another welterweight championship bout is ready to shake the foundations of the Bell Centre.
The blow-by-blow
UFC marks its return to Montréal with an exhilarating world championship doubleheader on a fight card that is a fight-fan-pleasing 11 bouts deep. The co-main event will see current UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad battling dangerous finisher and number-four-ranked contender Jack Della Maddalena, while two-time UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defends against surging number-two-ranked challenger Manon Fiorot.
Muhammad (with a record of 23-3, fighting out of Chicago) goes for his first title defense since dethroning Leon Edwards last summer. For his part, Della Maddalena (17-2, from Perth, Australia) is riding a 17-fight win streak. Considered the women’s number one pound-for-pound fighter, Shevchenko (24-4-1, of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) is among the greatest female fighters of all time. Opposing her, Fiorot (12-1, fighting out of Nice, France) is enjoying a 12-fight win streak and has her sights set on becoming the first native of France to become a UFC champion
Montréal is a UFC heavyweight
“This is where it all started for UFC in Canada,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White in a press statement. “Before we were sanctioned across the country, we were packing the Bell Centre with massive fights. Fans have been demanding our return for years and we’re going to deliver an unforgettable pay-per-view. I’m excited to get back.”
Fans will also be excited, and not only for the event’s return and a stellar fight card. For those who like the bells and whistles, UFC 315 VIP Experience packages are available that provide exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes and more.
Jamie O'Meara
Jamie O'Meara was the Editor-in-Chief at C2 Montréal and the former Editor-in-Chief of alt-weekly newspaper HOUR Magazine.