Martial arts legend accuses Aussie UFC world champion Jack Della Maddalenea of having a drug problem
Martial arts star and promoter Craig Jones has taken a cheeky dig at Australian welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, saying that the UFC star 'smokes so many bongs' that he forgets his own moves.
Jones, who was at UFC 315 to corner the new champion on May 10, was speaking recently about the success the Western Australian has achieved in mixed martial arts.
Della Maddalena is known widely for his striking skills, but Jones has also been impressed by his ability to grapple.
'The first time I trained with Della would have been doing some seminars in Perth,' Jones said in an interview on The B-Team's YouTube channel.
'So we had a relationship for a bit of time, but really I was just a fan.
'I keep saying this, but I've stolen a lot of moves from him, but I think he smokes so many bongs that he forgets that those are his moves and I get to re-teach them back to him - and take full credit for it.'
Craig Jones says Jack Della Maddalena rips to much bong he forgets the moves 😂 pic.twitter.com/v3hbZatucj
— Delinquent MMA (@DelinquentMMA) May 20, 2025
The cheeky quip generated a buzz on social media among fight fans, with many X users saying that they are now even bigger fans of the fighter from Down Under.
Della Maddalena is riding high after his title win against former welterweight king Belal Muhammad and starting to set his sights on a showdown with pound-for-pound No.1 Islam Makhachev.
The UFC waited just two days after his win over Muhammad to reveal that Makhachev would vacate the lightweight title for a move up to welterweight to take on the Aussie.
'I think that was sort of what they were thinking was, if I won, that would be the matchup,' Della Maddalena told ESPN.
'I think that's what they're going to go with, I'm excited for the matchup, obviously.
'Pound-for-pound No.1, he's the guy at the moment, so dream come true to take him out and then take his spot.'
Della Maddalena believes he will be the fighter to finally end Makhachev's outstanding run in the UFC.
'I believe I can force the fight to stay on the feet. I think if it does hit the ground, I can get back to my feet, but I think the fight obviously starts on the feet,' Della Maddalena explained.
'I think I've got him covered on the feet, the striking department is dangerous, but I think I've got the skills to be the better man on the night.
'Islam is... I guess a better version of Belal.
'He's probably got more dangerous grappling, probably a better striker, better fight IQ, more championship experience, but I look at the Belal fight as just the perfect practice match for Islam.
'I think I'll have the size advantage over Islam, but I expect him to be, -- not having to go through the weight cut to lightweight -- I think he'll be a better version of himself, so I expect a tough fight. But, as I said, I believe I've got the skills to get the job done.'
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