Georges St-Pierre hails Belal Muhammad as the 'complete package' ahead of UFC 315 main event
Current titleholder
Belal Muhammad
has the support of former UFC welterweight champion
Georges St-Pierre
, who called him the complete package as he prepares for his first title defence against
Jack Della Maddalena
at
UFC 315
.
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Canadian MMA legend believes Belal Muhammad's well-rounded skill set will be a big advantage in the championship bout against him, set for May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Georges St-Pierre praises Belal Muhammad's versatile fighting arsenal
In an interview, Georges St-Pierre analysed the stylistic matchup between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, noting that while the Australian challenger may have an edge in striking, the fight extends beyond just stand-up exchanges.
"Belal is the complete package—he's good everywhere,"
St-Pierre stated.
"He's got a very awkward style that throws a lot of people off, especially in the striking department."
The UFC Hall of Famer emphasised that Belal Muhammad's diverse skill set makes him particularly dangerous in a mixed martial arts context rather than a pure striking battle.
The overall dynamics of mixed martial arts favour Belal Muhammad, Georges St-Pierre said, adding that while Jack Della Maddalena may have an edge in the striking department, Belal Muhammad also has an edge in the grappling department.
Since the contest is not restricted to kickboxing, St-Pierre said Muhammad will be able to take advantage of the greater skill set needed in MMA.
Championship experience may prove decisive in Montreal showdown
The welterweight championship clash is a fascinating clash of styles. Leon Edwards was dethroned by Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 last July, and, after 10 fights without a defeat, he enters the Octagon on a remarkable streak. Jack Della Maddalena, who has secured his title shot after seven straight wins in the UFC, 12 of his 17 professional wins by knockout, also enters the Octagon on a remarkable streak.
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In the case of Georges St-Pierre, who will be in attendance at UFC 315 to corner his Tristar teammate Aiemann Zahabi, beating a champion such as Belal Muhammad is a puzzle that's hard to solve. Success against the champion, Georges St-Pierre added, is all down to
'cracking the code,'
and nobody has managed to do so yet, which is why he is at the top.
Both Belal Muhammad and Georges St-Pierre have received similar criticism throughout their careers, with fans accusing the two of 'boring', methodical, wrestling-heavy methods, even though they've been effective.
Belal Muhammad himself admitted to this parallel on The Grin Reaper's podcast, admitting that, like GSP before him, winning is still more important than entertainment value.
The main card of UFC 315 will be available on pay-per-view through ESPN+ on Saturday, May 10, for fans to watch live from the Bell Center in Montreal.
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Georges St-Pierre's strategic knowledge and the historical aspect of bringing the welterweight title back to Montreal also ensure that this championship showdown will be a technical masterclass that could also help cement Belal Muhammad's legacy in the division where the Canadian icon reigned.
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