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UFC 315 loses major main card fight

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Mathew Riddle | Last updated May 3, 2025 7:47 PM ET

UFC 315 has already built a reputation for being a middling PPV, but matters just got worse with news of a main card fight cancellation.

The Montreal-based PPV features two title fights: Belal Muhammad defending his welterweight belt against Jack Della Maddalena, and Valentina Shevchenko defending her flyweight belt against Manon Fiorot. Other than this, the card didn't have too much to offer.

Making matters worse, arguably the third-most anticipated fight on the card is reportedly cancelled.

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Report: UFC 315 loses Benoit Saint-Denis vs. Joel Alvarez lightweight clash

The main card lightweight banger between Benoit Saint-Denis and Joel Alvarez is reportedly off. The news was first reported as 'not official' by @MagicM_MMABets on X.

Not official but hearing all day Joel Alvarez out next week.
— MagicM (@MagicM_MMABets) May 3, 2025

Reputable outlet La Sueur and reporter Marcel Dorff later confirmed the news as true.

Selon nos sources, Joel Alvarez serait FORFAIT pour son combat face à Benoît Saint Denis à l’#UFC315. ❌ pic.twitter.com/GL30UH0E39
— La Sueur (@LaSueur_off) May 3, 2025

Confirmed ✅️ https://t.co/m14Kshucbx
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) May 3, 2025

The cancellation is a major hit to the UFC 315 card, and served as one of the most exciting lightweight fights to have been booked in a while. Alvarez maintains a 100 percent finishing rate in 22 victories, and Saint-Denis was on a hot-streak before back-to-back losses.

With this news, UFC 315 continues with 11 fights, assuming the UFC is looking for a short-notice replacement in the meantime.