Jack Della Maddalena is poised for a significant milestone in his career as he prepares to compete in the main event of UFC 315 in Montreal, where he aims to become only the third Australian in UFC history to win a championship title. At 28, Della Maddalena is still building his reputation in Australia, unlike established stars Alexander Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker. However, a victory over Belal Muhammad could elevate his status and resonate with fans who love an underdog triumph.
In the realm of mixed martial arts, Australia has only produced two champions—Whittaker and Volkanovski—who recently claimed his second title. Conversely, the United States boasts a staggering 72 champions, illustrating the challenge faced by Australian fighters.
Giacomo Della Maddalena, originally from Perth, transitioned from rugby union to boxing at age 14 under the influence of his older brother before embarking on his MMA journey. His professional debut at 19 wasn’t smooth; he lost his first two bouts in the local promotion, Eternal MMA. Perseverance characterized his approach, as he rebounded and began winning consistently, including a successful stint with UK’s Cage Warriors.
Della Maddalena’s big break came in 2021 when he won a fight on Dana White’s Contender Series, leading to his signing with the UFC. Since then, he has enjoyed an impressive undefeated streak, with notable victories, including a win over Kevin Holland and a knockout of veteran Gilbert Burns. Now, he’s gearing up for a title bout in just his eighth UFC fight—a parallel to Volkanovski’s rapid ascent.
Despite being an underdog, experts like Volkanovski are optimistic about Della Maddalena’s chances against Muhammad, describing him as a formidable striker with the ability to adapt and thrive in the later rounds. Della Maddalena, with a strong knockout record, believes he can succeed by employing a mix of striking and grappling techniques against his opponent, who is adept at winning decisions in long fights.
As he enters this championship bout, Della Maddalena acknowledges the challenge ahead but is determined to leverage his knockout power and fighting spirit. He expresses confidence in his preparation, intending to deliver a decisive victory that could herald a new era for Australian MMA on the world stage. Whether or not he can achieve this hinges on his ability to outlast and outmaneuver the seasoned Muhammad, but with his recent performances and unwavering mentality, fans remain hopeful for a triumphant outcome.