Losing two straight fights at the start of a professional career can break even the most formidable fighters. At that point, you either abandon your destiny or embrace the grind, and Jack Della Maddalena chose the latter. From a rocky 0-2 start to an impressive 17-2 record, the Australian has risen from obscurity to title contention. As ‘JDM’ gears up for his biggest test yet against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 on May 11, his coach has shed light on the mindset that fueled their remarkable climb.
Jack Della Maddalena was just 16 when he walked into Ben Vickers’ gym. The gym is respected in Oceania’s MMA scene and is known for its old-school fundamentals. Since then, the Aussie has been on a roll. Della Maddalena turned professional after winning his amateur bout against Cam McGuire but suffered defeats in his first two fights, both by stoppage. As per Della Maddalena, he was shaken after these defeats. “Ben’s ever since, and he’s just guided us and pushed us to become the best in the world. Starting my career, I pretty much just took the toughest fights I could, which handed me two professional losses off the first two fights,” said Della Maddalena at UFC Countdown .
So, how did he turn his misfortunes? According to his head coach, Benn Vickers, it was through sheer rejection of giving up, “I remember speaking to him on the phone and just saying, ‘Look, you’re way better than 0 and 2. Back to your feet, we’ll move forward, and we’re going to make it to 10 and 2. That’s our goal.’” Della Maddalena needed a simple assurance from his coach that they would emerge victorious at the end of the day—and that’s exactly what happened. That kind of fighter-coach bond echoes classic duos like Firas Zahabi-GSP or Matt Hume-Demetrious Johnson. And what the world saw over the years is easily a great example of loyalty built through adversity.
MMA: UFC 270-Weigh Ins, Jan 21, 2022 Anaheim, CA, USA Jack Della Maddalena during weigh-ins for UFC 270 at Anaheim Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports, 21.01.2022 16:14:20, 17542632, NPStrans, Anaheim Convention Center, MMA, TopPic PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 17542632
After losing his first two fights, Jack Della Maddalena has been on a 17-fight winning streak. Of those, seven have come in the UFC, where he has finished most of his opponents by knockout. In his earlier statement, the Aussie emphasized that he believes Belal Muhammad will do everything to win the fight, but his attempts will be futile as he is not cut-out to defeat someone like Della Maddalena, “He’s good at winning. So he’ll revert back to just trying to win. Obviously, I don’t underestimate his striking, but I think I can get him on the feet and on the ground. I think I’m a better MMA fighter than him.”
He further added, “I wouldn’t want to have a boxing match with him because I like MMA. I like the rule set. I like kicking. Kicking him and elbow him.” Riding a 17-fight winning streak, with 14 of those victories coming by way of a finish, Jack Della Maddalena is not to be taken lightly.
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), Jack Della Maddalena brings a well-balanced frame to the welterweight division. The Perth native is known for his composed striking and typically hovers right around the limit. His ability to consistently make weight without compromising his performance has become one of the understated strengths of his climb through the ranks.
This kind of fighter demands your absolute attention from the opening bell to the final blow. But does Muhammad have a plan to contain him? He certainly does.
Belal Muhammad plans to take Jack Della Maddalena to the deep waters
Belal Muhammad will be defending his welterweight title for the first time since defeating Leon Edwards to stake a claim to the 170 lbs gold. Entering the fight, ‘Remember The Name’ is a fan-favourite to win against Jack Della Maddlena despite his decision record. As per the champ, he has the confidence that he will not only defeat the Aussie but finish him.
At the UFC Countdown episode for UFC 315, Belal Muhammad expressed that he is planning to give Della Maddalena the biggest upset of his career, “For me, I don’t think this fight will go the distance. I’m going to dominate Jack, I’m going to beat him in the striking, I’m going to take him to the deep end of the ocean and drown him. I’m going to finish him, and I’m going to show the world I’m the best welterweight ever.”
In addition to that, ‘Remember The Name’ even claimed that he is a superior striker as well, “I’ve fought all these styles, and I’ve dominated all these guys, there hasn’t been a close fight for me. I dominated Gilbert Burns, who was the best grappler in the division.I just outstruck Leon Edwards, who was supposedly the best striker in the UFC. Jack’s another guy that people are saying can beat me, can knock me out, he has the best boxing in the division. So, I’m approaching the fight like I’m fighting the best version of Jack. For me, now it’s showing Jack, I see your boxing, but I have better striking, I have every advantage over him, you haven’t see anybody who fights like me.”
Belal Muhammad holds a 24-3 record in his MMA career and is currently riding a 10-fight winning streak against top contenders in the division. Known for his exceptional cardio, Muhammad will be looking to pressure the Aussie into submission.
Stylistically, this is going to be a classic chess match between a sharp striker and a relentless pressure fighter, reminiscent of early 2000s welterweight wars. Della Maddalena’s pocket boxing and bodywork evoke shades of prime Robbie Lawler, while Muhammad’s pace and control bring back memories of Jon Fitch’s suffocating top game. But unlike those older archetypes, both men bring modern versatility to the Octagon.
Will Muhammad try to press against the cage to negate JDM’s striking angles? Can Jack keep Belal at range, punish takedown attempts, and maintain output for 5 rounds?
Share your opinion in the comments below!
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