The UFC returns to Montreal with an action-packed UFC 315 card featuring championship bouts and veteran legends looking to make statements on May 10.
The main event spotlight falls on Belal Muhammad, who enters as a favorite according to betting analysts. However, it's the co-main event that has fighting enthusiasts particularly excited, with former flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko facing rising contender Manon Fiorot in what promises to be an intriguing stylistic matchup.
Shevchenko, widely considered the greatest women's flyweight champion in UFC history, brings her devastating finishing ability to this championship bout. Her highlight-reel knockouts of Jessica Eye, Katlyn Cerminara, and Jessica Andrade demonstrate why she remains a formidable challenge for any contender. Analysts expect Fiorot to approach this as a kickboxing match, potentially creating openings for Shevchenko's superior grappling.
The card also features intriguing matchups like Mike Malott versus Charles Radtke, a bout many expect to extend beyond the first round due to both fighters' measured approaches. Malott's switch-stance technical striking against Radtke's patient counter-punching style suggests a tactical affair rather than an early finish.
In the women's division, Alexa Grasso faces Natalia Silva in what betting experts predict will be a distance fight. Grasso's occasional difficulties against physically stronger opponents combined with Silva's solid takedown defense and judo background point toward a full three rounds of action.
Perhaps most nostalgic for longtime fans is the return of Brazilian legend Jose Aldo, who takes on Canadian Aiemann Zahabi. According to fight analysts from Statbet, Aldo's experience advantage could be the deciding factor despite Zahabi's five-fight win streak. With 24 combined knockout victories between Aldo and Shevchenko, the potential for spectacular finishes exists throughout the event.
With a combined 20 UFC title fights between just Aldo and Shevchenko, this Montreal card delivers both championship stakes and legends looking to add another chapter to their storied careers.
