Latest news with #JackDellaMaddalena
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
I'm coming for your scalp, says new Aussie UFC champ
He endured months of agony and uncertainty to get to the top, now 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. 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 AAP after returning to Perth this week. "But I didn't do it for the belt. I like the challenge, I like fighting. "The fight itself is what I live for. Every fighter presents different challenges. "I also do it for the record, for the names on my resume." Della Maddalena's current list of 'scalps' features the likes of Muhammad, Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland and Bassil Hafez among his perfect 8-0 UFC record. So what does he think about it? "So far so good, but I think I've got some work to do," Della Maddalena said. "I guess the real work begins now. "Islam is going to be another great name on the list, and then I can start ticking off the next challenge." Della Maddalena initially hoped he could defend his welterweight title against Makhachev in Perth. Those hopes have since been shot down, given the event in Perth later this year is merely a fight night rather than a blockbuster event. With Perth off the cards, Della Maddalena's next choice is to hold it at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. "Perth would be awesome, I just don't think it's happening," Della Maddalena said. "They have the event here in Perth in September, but the UFC are strong on their guns that it's just going to be a fight night event. "And they've got a rule - they don't put champions on fight night events. "So the next place - I think Madison Square Garden would be pretty cool. "There's been the Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier at the venue, there's been big basketball matches with some of the greats. It's such an incredible city." He endured months of agony and uncertainty to get to the top, now 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. 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 AAP after returning to Perth this week. "But I didn't do it for the belt. I like the challenge, I like fighting. "The fight itself is what I live for. Every fighter presents different challenges. "I also do it for the record, for the names on my resume." Della Maddalena's current list of 'scalps' features the likes of Muhammad, Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland and Bassil Hafez among his perfect 8-0 UFC record. So what does he think about it? "So far so good, but I think I've got some work to do," Della Maddalena said. "I guess the real work begins now. "Islam is going to be another great name on the list, and then I can start ticking off the next challenge." Della Maddalena initially hoped he could defend his welterweight title against Makhachev in Perth. Those hopes have since been shot down, given the event in Perth later this year is merely a fight night rather than a blockbuster event. With Perth off the cards, Della Maddalena's next choice is to hold it at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. "Perth would be awesome, I just don't think it's happening," Della Maddalena said. "They have the event here in Perth in September, but the UFC are strong on their guns that it's just going to be a fight night event. "And they've got a rule - they don't put champions on fight night events. "So the next place - I think Madison Square Garden would be pretty cool. "There's been the Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier at the venue, there's been big basketball matches with some of the greats. It's such an incredible city." He endured months of agony and uncertainty to get to the top, now 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. 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 AAP after returning to Perth this week. "But I didn't do it for the belt. I like the challenge, I like fighting. "The fight itself is what I live for. Every fighter presents different challenges. "I also do it for the record, for the names on my resume." Della Maddalena's current list of 'scalps' features the likes of Muhammad, Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland and Bassil Hafez among his perfect 8-0 UFC record. So what does he think about it? "So far so good, but I think I've got some work to do," Della Maddalena said. "I guess the real work begins now. "Islam is going to be another great name on the list, and then I can start ticking off the next challenge." Della Maddalena initially hoped he could defend his welterweight title against Makhachev in Perth. Those hopes have since been shot down, given the event in Perth later this year is merely a fight night rather than a blockbuster event. With Perth off the cards, Della Maddalena's next choice is to hold it at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. "Perth would be awesome, I just don't think it's happening," Della Maddalena said. "They have the event here in Perth in September, but the UFC are strong on their guns that it's just going to be a fight night event. "And they've got a rule - they don't put champions on fight night events. "So the next place - I think Madison Square Garden would be pretty cool. "There's been the Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier at the venue, there's been big basketball matches with some of the greats. It's such an incredible city."
The Age
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
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. Loading 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.
Sydney Morning Herald
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
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. Loading 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.
West Australian
21-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Rita Saffioti: Major milestone as last ever diesel bus manufactured in WA leaves the depot
1. The tragic passing of Adam Selwood last week has impacted so many people. Our condolences go out to his family and friends as they grieve through this very difficult period. 2. This tragedy has again shone a spotlight on the issue of mental health, and how we all need to work together to support each other across the community. It's so important we make sure everyone knows there is help available for anyone going through difficult times. 3. It is National Volunteer Week, a great opportunity to reflect and thank all those people who generously give up their time to make our community a better place. I know with local sport in particular, clubs and organisations rely so much on the goodwill of people to help at weekend sport and weeknight training. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers across our suburbs and regions. 4. I had the opportunity to visit Hands Oval in Bunbury last Friday — so impressive. Also, I met some local junior soccer players. They are so excited about the prospect of having the Matildas play in their hometown in June. 5. AC Milan will be back in Perth this winter! In their only match in Australia this year, they will take on our very own Perth Glory in a preseason friendly at HBF Park. Expecting a big and loud crowd at this incredible venue come July 31, with plenty to travel to see the Rossoneri. 6. The new Australian Hockey Centre is really taking shape, with the first of four international standard pitches now complete. Perth will continue to be home of the Australian high performance hockey program. This new centre will ensure WA can play host to major events in the future and ensure that we encourage more and more participation in this sport. We saw a growth of 7 per cent in hockey participation last year and we know new facilities help encourage more involvement. 7. It was incredibly fitting for Jack Della Maddalena to receive a champion's welcome home to Perth. Fantastic to see such a great turnout at the Yagan Square amphitheatre on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate WA's first ever UFC Champion. 8. Last week we released the concept plan for the Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct for community consultation. This will be an incredible precinct for the entire community, bringing together new public infrastructure, live music, entertainment, arts, culture and sport. Head to the Building for Tomorrow website to provide your input. 9. A major milestone for public transport this week, with the last ever diesel bus manufactured in WA leaving the depot. Every bus manufactured from this day forward will be electric. It's the start of a cheaper, cleaner and more efficient public transport system. 10. Like many, I have been drawn back into watching F1 because of the Drive to Survive series. I used to watch F1 with my cousins, but lost interest until the Netflix show began. While missing the big personality of Daniel Ricciardo from the series, Kimi Antonelli has been an exciting new addition. The 18-year-old's first race in Emilia-Romagna, his home region, saw him bring his classmates on an excursion to the Imola racetrack. What a great story!
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
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 😂 — 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.'
