Perth UFC champ would love a hometown fight, but failing that? ‘Madison Square Garden'
He endured months of agony and uncertainty to get to the top, now Western Australia's new UFC champion Jack Della Maddalena wants to go bounty hunting.
Della Maddalena became just the third Australian to win a UFC crown when he defeated Belal Muhammad in a welterweight title showdown in Montreal earlier this month.
Making the feat all the more remarkable is the fact Della Maddalena was fighting for the first time since suffering a career-threatening broken arm 14 months earlier.
The 28-year-old West Australian ended up needing four rounds of surgery due to a series of infections, and there were even fears at one point he may lose his arm.
Once the infections cleared, Della Maddalena was able to get down to business and his intense training program paid dividends with a unanimous decision victory over Muhammad.
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The next fight on Della Maddalena's agenda is almost certain to be against the current pound-for-pound champion Islam Makhachev, who has vacated his lightweight crown in order to have a crack at welterweight glory.
Della Maddalena isn't planning on giving up the belt he's worked so hard to get.
'The belt's special. Every time I look at it, I'm very proud,' Della Maddalena told media after returning to Perth this week.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Socceroos search for a hero as date with destiny looms
The Socceroos hope to uncover a new national hero and show Japan who the true boss of Asian football is when the arch rivals lock horns in Thursday night's World Cup qualifier in Perth. Group C leaders Japan (20 points) have already locked in qualification for the 2026 World Cup, leaving Australia (13 points) and Saudi Arabia (10 points) to fight for the second automatic qualifying spot. The Socceroos will host Japan in front of more than 50,000 fans at Optus Stadium on Thursday before rounding out this group stage against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah next week. A win over Japan would almost certainly be enough for the Socceroos to book their World Cup berth - barring a disastrous loss in the vicinity of five goals or more to Saudi Arabia in their final game. For the Socceroos players who have experienced it before, sealing qualification for a World Cup is considered an ultimate career highlight. John Aloisi's famous penalty in the 2005 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay is etched into Australian sporting folklore. Substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was the man in 2022 when his penalty shootout heroics sealed a shock win over Peru and passage through to the Qatar World Cup. Socceroos attacker Martin Boyle was there when Australia secured their spot for the 2022 World Cup, and he wants history to repeat itself. "I've played in a lot of big games before, but these are the games that you can be a hero in," Boyle said. "To this day, it's probably the greatest situation that I've had in my career, qualifying for that World Cup. "There's no better feeling. And just the adrenaline, the buzz - it's the pinnacle of people's careers." Japan are ranked 15th in the world - the best team in Asia. Australia (26th) are only the fourth highest in Asia, with Japan, Iran (18th) and South Korea (23rd) all ranked above them. Veteran goalkeeper Maty Ryan doesn't agree with the rankings. "In my eyes, we're the best in Asia." Ryan said. "If you don't believe you're the best then I think you're sort of failing at the first hurdle. "You've got to go out there and believe that you can overcome whatever challenges are in front of you. "And obviously there's a fine line without being arrogant and being complacent or anything like that. "They (Japan) have got great players playing in some of the best competitions in the world. "But at the end of the day, when we step over that white line, we're all human, and we're all equal in that regard." Ryan, who was the starting goalkeeper in that famous win over Peru, has been telling stories of that night to help inspire his teammates to clinch qualification again. "It's a difficult one to find words to describe the ecstasy of it," he said. "As a footballer, there's no more meaningful moment than a World Cup qualification like that." The Socceroos hope to uncover a new national hero and show Japan who the true boss of Asian football is when the arch rivals lock horns in Thursday night's World Cup qualifier in Perth. Group C leaders Japan (20 points) have already locked in qualification for the 2026 World Cup, leaving Australia (13 points) and Saudi Arabia (10 points) to fight for the second automatic qualifying spot. The Socceroos will host Japan in front of more than 50,000 fans at Optus Stadium on Thursday before rounding out this group stage against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah next week. A win over Japan would almost certainly be enough for the Socceroos to book their World Cup berth - barring a disastrous loss in the vicinity of five goals or more to Saudi Arabia in their final game. For the Socceroos players who have experienced it before, sealing qualification for a World Cup is considered an ultimate career highlight. John Aloisi's famous penalty in the 2005 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay is etched into Australian sporting folklore. Substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was the man in 2022 when his penalty shootout heroics sealed a shock win over Peru and passage through to the Qatar World Cup. Socceroos attacker Martin Boyle was there when Australia secured their spot for the 2022 World Cup, and he wants history to repeat itself. "I've played in a lot of big games before, but these are the games that you can be a hero in," Boyle said. "To this day, it's probably the greatest situation that I've had in my career, qualifying for that World Cup. "There's no better feeling. And just the adrenaline, the buzz - it's the pinnacle of people's careers." Japan are ranked 15th in the world - the best team in Asia. Australia (26th) are only the fourth highest in Asia, with Japan, Iran (18th) and South Korea (23rd) all ranked above them. Veteran goalkeeper Maty Ryan doesn't agree with the rankings. "In my eyes, we're the best in Asia." Ryan said. "If you don't believe you're the best then I think you're sort of failing at the first hurdle. "You've got to go out there and believe that you can overcome whatever challenges are in front of you. "And obviously there's a fine line without being arrogant and being complacent or anything like that. "They (Japan) have got great players playing in some of the best competitions in the world. "But at the end of the day, when we step over that white line, we're all human, and we're all equal in that regard." Ryan, who was the starting goalkeeper in that famous win over Peru, has been telling stories of that night to help inspire his teammates to clinch qualification again. "It's a difficult one to find words to describe the ecstasy of it," he said. "As a footballer, there's no more meaningful moment than a World Cup qualification like that." The Socceroos hope to uncover a new national hero and show Japan who the true boss of Asian football is when the arch rivals lock horns in Thursday night's World Cup qualifier in Perth. Group C leaders Japan (20 points) have already locked in qualification for the 2026 World Cup, leaving Australia (13 points) and Saudi Arabia (10 points) to fight for the second automatic qualifying spot. The Socceroos will host Japan in front of more than 50,000 fans at Optus Stadium on Thursday before rounding out this group stage against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah next week. A win over Japan would almost certainly be enough for the Socceroos to book their World Cup berth - barring a disastrous loss in the vicinity of five goals or more to Saudi Arabia in their final game. For the Socceroos players who have experienced it before, sealing qualification for a World Cup is considered an ultimate career highlight. John Aloisi's famous penalty in the 2005 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay is etched into Australian sporting folklore. Substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was the man in 2022 when his penalty shootout heroics sealed a shock win over Peru and passage through to the Qatar World Cup. Socceroos attacker Martin Boyle was there when Australia secured their spot for the 2022 World Cup, and he wants history to repeat itself. "I've played in a lot of big games before, but these are the games that you can be a hero in," Boyle said. "To this day, it's probably the greatest situation that I've had in my career, qualifying for that World Cup. "There's no better feeling. And just the adrenaline, the buzz - it's the pinnacle of people's careers." Japan are ranked 15th in the world - the best team in Asia. Australia (26th) are only the fourth highest in Asia, with Japan, Iran (18th) and South Korea (23rd) all ranked above them. Veteran goalkeeper Maty Ryan doesn't agree with the rankings. "In my eyes, we're the best in Asia." Ryan said. "If you don't believe you're the best then I think you're sort of failing at the first hurdle. "You've got to go out there and believe that you can overcome whatever challenges are in front of you. "And obviously there's a fine line without being arrogant and being complacent or anything like that. "They (Japan) have got great players playing in some of the best competitions in the world. "But at the end of the day, when we step over that white line, we're all human, and we're all equal in that regard." Ryan, who was the starting goalkeeper in that famous win over Peru, has been telling stories of that night to help inspire his teammates to clinch qualification again. "It's a difficult one to find words to describe the ecstasy of it," he said. "As a footballer, there's no more meaningful moment than a World Cup qualification like that."
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Curtain comes down on Big Show's Australian ODI career
Glenn Maxwell has been hailed as one of the most influential figures in one-day cricket history after the destructive batsman retired from the 50-over format. Maxwell announced on Monday he had played his last ODI for Australia, instead opting to focus solely on Twenty20 cricket ahead of next year's World Cup in India and Sri Lanka amid concerns over his body. The 36-year-old's exit from the format comes after Steve Smith also walked away following this year's Champions Trophy, part of a national changing of the guard. Maxwell finishes with the second highest strike-rate in ODI history, with his 3149 career runs struck at a rate of 126.70 and average of 33.81. He also has both the fastest hundred and only double century by an Australian, after his back-to-back epics against Netherlands and Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. Maxwell said he had been tempted to play on until Australia's title defence in 2027, but felt his body could no longer handle 50 overs in the field during the Champions Trophy. "I started to think if I don't have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body probably struggles to get through," Maxwell said in an extended interview on the Final Word Podcast. "I realised it was probably a bit far-fetched to to keep I suppose reaching for that next series and try to hold on. "In reality, I think I'd be doing a disservice to the team ... more hoping rather than expecting to get through. "I don't think that would be fair to anyone."Maxwell broke onto the scene when he was picked for an ODI against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2012 as a batting allrounder. He almost immediately followed the line of Michael Bevan and Mike Hussey as great middle-order talents, albeit with more flair and punch. The right-hander played a prominent role in Australia's 2015 success on home soil, belting 102 from 53 balls against Sri Lanka in a match at the SCG. He was dropped from the team a year later, but was back for the 2019 World Cup and then had his crowning moment four years later in India. With Australia's spot in the tournament in peril, Maxwell famously blasted an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls while batting on one leg to take Australia from 7-91 to a successful chase of 292 against Afghanistan. "I'm extremely fortunate that I was able to have my moment," Maxwell said. "Almost everything that you've worked hard for, the peak of your powers, being able to put it in front of the world to see. "It's almost like saying this is the best of me, you can either take it or leave it, but this is all I've got." Maxwell would hit the winning runs in the final against India, after also getting the key wicket of Rohit Sharma with the ball. "Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format's history," Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said."Glenn's ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia's continued success in the 50 over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph." Glenn Maxwell has been hailed as one of the most influential figures in one-day cricket history after the destructive batsman retired from the 50-over format. Maxwell announced on Monday he had played his last ODI for Australia, instead opting to focus solely on Twenty20 cricket ahead of next year's World Cup in India and Sri Lanka amid concerns over his body. The 36-year-old's exit from the format comes after Steve Smith also walked away following this year's Champions Trophy, part of a national changing of the guard. Maxwell finishes with the second highest strike-rate in ODI history, with his 3149 career runs struck at a rate of 126.70 and average of 33.81. He also has both the fastest hundred and only double century by an Australian, after his back-to-back epics against Netherlands and Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. Maxwell said he had been tempted to play on until Australia's title defence in 2027, but felt his body could no longer handle 50 overs in the field during the Champions Trophy. "I started to think if I don't have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body probably struggles to get through," Maxwell said in an extended interview on the Final Word Podcast. "I realised it was probably a bit far-fetched to to keep I suppose reaching for that next series and try to hold on. "In reality, I think I'd be doing a disservice to the team ... more hoping rather than expecting to get through. "I don't think that would be fair to anyone."Maxwell broke onto the scene when he was picked for an ODI against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2012 as a batting allrounder. He almost immediately followed the line of Michael Bevan and Mike Hussey as great middle-order talents, albeit with more flair and punch. The right-hander played a prominent role in Australia's 2015 success on home soil, belting 102 from 53 balls against Sri Lanka in a match at the SCG. He was dropped from the team a year later, but was back for the 2019 World Cup and then had his crowning moment four years later in India. With Australia's spot in the tournament in peril, Maxwell famously blasted an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls while batting on one leg to take Australia from 7-91 to a successful chase of 292 against Afghanistan. "I'm extremely fortunate that I was able to have my moment," Maxwell said. "Almost everything that you've worked hard for, the peak of your powers, being able to put it in front of the world to see. "It's almost like saying this is the best of me, you can either take it or leave it, but this is all I've got." Maxwell would hit the winning runs in the final against India, after also getting the key wicket of Rohit Sharma with the ball. "Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format's history," Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said."Glenn's ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia's continued success in the 50 over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph." Glenn Maxwell has been hailed as one of the most influential figures in one-day cricket history after the destructive batsman retired from the 50-over format. Maxwell announced on Monday he had played his last ODI for Australia, instead opting to focus solely on Twenty20 cricket ahead of next year's World Cup in India and Sri Lanka amid concerns over his body. The 36-year-old's exit from the format comes after Steve Smith also walked away following this year's Champions Trophy, part of a national changing of the guard. Maxwell finishes with the second highest strike-rate in ODI history, with his 3149 career runs struck at a rate of 126.70 and average of 33.81. He also has both the fastest hundred and only double century by an Australian, after his back-to-back epics against Netherlands and Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. Maxwell said he had been tempted to play on until Australia's title defence in 2027, but felt his body could no longer handle 50 overs in the field during the Champions Trophy. "I started to think if I don't have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body probably struggles to get through," Maxwell said in an extended interview on the Final Word Podcast. "I realised it was probably a bit far-fetched to to keep I suppose reaching for that next series and try to hold on. "In reality, I think I'd be doing a disservice to the team ... more hoping rather than expecting to get through. "I don't think that would be fair to anyone."Maxwell broke onto the scene when he was picked for an ODI against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2012 as a batting allrounder. He almost immediately followed the line of Michael Bevan and Mike Hussey as great middle-order talents, albeit with more flair and punch. The right-hander played a prominent role in Australia's 2015 success on home soil, belting 102 from 53 balls against Sri Lanka in a match at the SCG. He was dropped from the team a year later, but was back for the 2019 World Cup and then had his crowning moment four years later in India. With Australia's spot in the tournament in peril, Maxwell famously blasted an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls while batting on one leg to take Australia from 7-91 to a successful chase of 292 against Afghanistan. "I'm extremely fortunate that I was able to have my moment," Maxwell said. "Almost everything that you've worked hard for, the peak of your powers, being able to put it in front of the world to see. "It's almost like saying this is the best of me, you can either take it or leave it, but this is all I've got." Maxwell would hit the winning runs in the final against India, after also getting the key wicket of Rohit Sharma with the ball. "Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format's history," Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said."Glenn's ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia's continued success in the 50 over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph."
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Curtain comes down on Big Show's Australian ODI career
Glenn Maxwell has been hailed as one of the most influential figures in one-day cricket history after the destructive batsman retired from the 50-over format. Maxwell announced on Monday he had played his last ODI for Australia, instead opting to focus solely on Twenty20 cricket ahead of next year's World Cup in India and Sri Lanka amid concerns over his body. The 36-year-old's exit from the format comes after Steve Smith also walked away following this year's Champions Trophy, part of a national changing of the guard. Maxwell finishes with the second highest strike-rate in ODI history, with his 3149 career runs struck at a rate of 126.70 and average of 33.81. He also has both the fastest hundred and only double century by an Australian, after his back-to-back epics against Netherlands and Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. Maxwell said he had been tempted to play on until Australia's title defence in 2027, but felt his body could no longer handle 50 overs in the field during the Champions Trophy. "I started to think if I don't have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body probably struggles to get through," Maxwell said in an extended interview on the Final Word Podcast. "I realised it was probably a bit far-fetched to to keep I suppose reaching for that next series and try to hold on. "In reality, I think I'd be doing a disservice to the team ... more hoping rather than expecting to get through. "I don't think that would be fair to anyone." Maxwell broke onto the scene when he was picked for an ODI against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2012 as a batting allrounder. He almost immediately followed the line of Michael Bevan and Mike Hussey as great middle-order talents, albeit with more flair and punch. The right-hander played a prominent role in Australia's 2015 success on home soil, belting 102 from 53 balls against Sri Lanka in a match at the SCG. He was dropped from the team a year later, but was back for the 2019 World Cup and then had his crowning moment four years later in India. With Australia's spot in the tournament in peril, Maxwell famously blasted an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls while batting on one leg to take Australia from 7-91 to a successful chase of 292 against Afghanistan. "I'm extremely fortunate that I was able to have my moment," Maxwell said. "Almost everything that you've worked hard for, the peak of your powers, being able to put it in front of the world to see. "It's almost like saying this is the best of me, you can either take it or leave it, but this is all I've got." Maxwell would hit the winning runs in the final against India, after also getting the key wicket of Rohit Sharma with the ball. "Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format's history," Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said."Glenn's ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia's continued success in the 50 over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph."
