UFC 315 Countdown: Muhammad vs. Chimaev and Shevchenko vs. Grasso III – Everything You Need to Know

The fight world is buzzing as UFC 315 approaches with not one but two championship belts on the line. Belal Muhammad and Valentina Shevchenko are set to defend their respective titles in what promises to be an explosive night of MMA action. The recently released ‘UFC 315 Countdown’ video gives fans an intimate look at the champions’ preparations and the challengers hungry for gold.

I’ve been covering UFC events for over a decade, and I can tell you this card is shaping up to be something special. Let’s break down what we learned from the countdown special and what you can expect on fight night.

Belal Muhammad vs. Khamzat Chimaev: A Welterweight Showdown

Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad isn’t just defending his welterweight title—he’s finally getting the spotlight he deserves. After quietly building one of the most impressive win streaks in the division, Muhammad captured the belt following Leon Edwards’ injury withdrawal, and now faces perhaps his toughest test yet in the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.

The countdown video showcases Muhammad’s incredible work ethic. Training out of Chicago, Muhammad’s calm demeanor masks a fierce competitive spirit. “People still doubt me after everything I’ve accomplished,” Muhammad says in the video. “After Chimaev, there won’t be any doubters left.”

Meanwhile, Chimaev’s portion of the countdown reveals a fighter eager to prove his health issues are behind him. The Chechen wolf looks absolutely terrifying in training footage, and his coach claims, “This is the best version of Khamzat you’ve ever seen.”

Style Matchup: Wrestling vs. Wrestling

What makes this fight fascinating is how similar these fighters’ strengths are. Both Muhammad and Chimaev rely on dominant wrestling, but implement it differently:

The countdown video showed both men preparing specifically for each other’s grappling style. Muhammad’s coach emphasized Belal’s improved striking, suggesting they believe keeping the fight standing might be advantageous against Chimaev’s takedown attempts.

Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso III: The Trilogy

The co-main event features newly re-crowned flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko looking to settle the score against Alexa Grasso in their rubber match. Their rivalry has produced two of the most compelling women’s fights in recent memory, with Grasso shocking the world in their first meeting and their second bout ending in a controversial draw.

The countdown footage shows a reinvigorated Shevchenko, who seems more motivated than ever after reclaiming her throne. “The first fight was a mistake. The second fight was taken from me. The third fight will be definitive,” Shevchenko states with her characteristic intensity.

Grasso, training out of Mexico, appears equally determined. The countdown highlights her improved confidence since first defeating Valentina, with her coaches emphasizing how she’s no longer intimidated by the champion’s aura.

What’s Changed Since Their Last Meeting

The countdown special reveals several key adjustments both women have made:

• Shevchenko has focused extensively on submission defense, clearly addressing how their first fight ended
• Grasso has worked on her wrestling entries, preparing for a more grappling-heavy approach from Valentina
• Both fighters have emphasized cardio, suggesting they expect a grueling five-round affair

You can feel the tension between these two elite fighters through the screen. This isn’t just about the belt anymore—it’s personal.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

What makes UFC 315 particularly compelling is how career-defining these matchups are for all four fighters:

For Muhammad, this is his chance to silence critics who’ve labeled him boring or questioned his championship legitimacy. A win over the hyped Chimaev would force the MMA world to give him his proper respect.

Chimaev, meanwhile, can fulfill the massive potential that’s surrounded him since his UFC debut. Health issues and weight-cutting problems have slowed his ascent, but capturing gold would justify the years of hype.

Shevchenko is fighting for her legacy. At 36, questions about how much longer she’ll compete are inevitable. Definitively defeating Grasso would reestablish her as the greatest women’s flyweight of all time.

For Grasso, this is about proving her victory wasn’t a fluke and that she belongs among the elite champions in UFC history.

How to Watch UFC 315

The pay-per-view event takes place on October 26th, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with prelims starting at 8 PM ET.

You can purchase the event through ESPN+ or catch the prelims on ESPN. The countdown special is currently available on the UFC’s YouTube channel and is absolutely worth watching to get properly hyped for this event.

My Prediction

After watching the countdown special and analyzing both matchups, I’m leaning toward Muhammad retaining via decision in a grueling affair that showcases his cardio and fight IQ. In the co-main, I see Shevchenko reclaiming her dominant form with a late TKO victory.

But that’s the beauty of this sport—anything can happen when the cage door closes.

Will you be watching UFC 315? Who do you think walks away with the belts? Let me know in the comments below!

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