MONTREAL – The excitement is palpable as UFC 315 takes the spotlight at the Bell Centre this Saturday, featuring thrilling title matches between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and fifth-ranked fighter Jack Della Maddalena, as well as the current two-time champion Valentina Shevchenko facing Manon Fiorot.
Among those keenly watching the event is Jake Evans, a forward for the Montreal Canadiens, who expressed a keen interest in the fight between Mike Malott and Charles Radtke, showcasing his connection to the UFC through his friendship with Malott’s brother, Jeff. Evans highlighted that his passion for UFC grew stronger after training with Mike Malott during summer boxing classes.
When asked about similarities between hockey and fighting, Evans noted the importance of mental toughness in both sports, emphasizing how athletes must perform under pressure. He likened the structure of UFC fights to hockey games, pointing out how both sports allow for mental reset after tough periods or rounds.
Evans revealed that Mike Malott is his favorite fighter, also expressing admiration for the dominance of Khabib Nurmagomedov. While he strives to catch UFC events whenever possible, his busy hockey schedule during the season often complicates this.
Excited about UFC 315, Evans shared that he’s never attended a live UFC event and is eager to experience it. Besides the UFC event, he looks forward to other summer happenings in Montreal, such as the F1 weekend and the LASSO festival.
When quizzed on teammates who would excel in UFC, Evans humorously suggested Jayden Struble as a potential fighter while playfully nominating another teammate, Monty, as someone who wouldn’t fare well, citing his overly kind nature.
This upcoming UFC event not only showcases incredible athletic talent but also highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect among athletes across disciplines, promising to deliver a memorable experience for fans in Montreal.