It will take a truly special run for anyone to rival what ‘Rush’ achieved at 170-pounds.
Whilst Georges St-Pierre did achieve success when he returned to the UFC and won the middleweight title, it’s his reign over the welterweight division that saw him receive recognition as one of the all-time greats.
The Canadian icon did it all having won the belt back after St-Pierre was shockingly beaten by Matt Serra before he went on to clear out the division by seeing off any and all challengers.
Over a decade on from the long-reigning titleholder producing some of the most iconic nights in the history of the sport at the Bell Center in Montreal, the welterweight title is set to return to that same venue in several weeks time.
Belal Muhammad will defend the championship against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315 where the man that most fans associate with the belt will be in attendance.
Georges St-Pierre credits Belal Muhammad’s well-rounded game when previewing UFC 315
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Georges St-Pierre confirmed that he will be in the building for UFC 315 to corner his Tristar teammate and fellow Canadian, Aiemann Zahabi.
The second of two title fights on May 10 sees Belal Muhammad defend the welterweight belt for the first time since he dethroned Leon Edwards in their rematch at UFC 304 last July.
‘Remember the Name’ has been overlooked throughout the majority of his career but he has become harder to deny with each win as he continues to prove people wrong.
After top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov was unable to fight on this date, Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena got the call following his seven-fight win streak inside the Octagon.
12 of Della Maddalena’s 17 pro wins have come via knockout with the 28-year-old being particularly known for his sharp boxing skills.
Whilst many, St-Pierre included, expect the challenger to have the advantage on the feet, the former welterweight champion doesn’t believe that this is a simple striker versus grappler match having been impressed by Muhammad in his recent fights.
“Belal is the complete package,” St-Pierre told Bloody Elbow. “He’s good everywhere and he’s got a very awkward style that throws a lot of people off, especially standing up in the striking department. Jack, on the other side, he’s on a tear. He’s got a good momentum, he’s on a winning streak and it’s going to be an interesting fight.
“On one side, Jack I think could have the advantages in the striking department but it’s not only a kickboxing match, it’s mixed martial arts and that’s when I believe Belal Muhammad takes advantage of it. I think he’s got more tools to win but that doesn’t mean that he’s going to win.”
Georges St-Pierre says that to beat Belal Muhammad, you have to crack the code
During his reign as welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre proved himself to be one of the most well-rounded fighters that we have ever seen inside the Octagon.
His style allowed him to adapt to whatever challenge was thrown at him whether he was locking horns with a dangerous striker or an accomplished grappler.
The question heading into UFC 315 is whether Jack Della Maddalena will be able to pull off the upset to beat Belal Muhammad despite what St-Pierre said about him having more tools to win.
‘Rush’ said that the key to beating a well-rounded champion, or any champion for that matter, is to crack the code.
We will find out on May 10 whether Della Maddalena is the right man to solve the puzzle that Muhammad brings to the table.
“It’s always about cracking the code and he’s the champion for a reason. Nobody has cracked the code so far and Belal’s style is very aggressive. He puts a constant forward pressure and he makes guys fight on their heels. He’s very good at changing levels and changing the momentum of the fight and that’s his main asset. That’s his bread and butter and Jack, on the other side, is a very good striker.”