Jack Della Maddalena started his career with two losses from as many fights.
The Perth-based fighter stayed on the saddle and on Sunday (Australian time), it paid dividends with an impressive stoppage victory in his UFC debut.
The 25-year-old’s timing was impeccable as he faced American Pete Rodriguez on the televised undercard. Della busted Rodriguez’s nose with stiff jabs as he waited for Rodriguez to over-reach. It came just before the 3-minute mark as Della, stepped left and countered with a perfectly timed left that sent his opponent to the canvas.
The Australian immediately pounced and unloaded shots from the top to get the TKO win. The win came 2:59 into the contest.
Australia, you've got a REAL ONE HERE.
?? Jack Della Maddalena brought the thunder all the way from Down Under! #UFC270 pic.twitter.com/I4jQkKXvVx
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 23, 2022
The commentary team was left impressed by the technical striking Della showed with Joe Rogan in particular showering Della with praise.
“Della Maddalena is something special, he is really good,” Rogan said.
“And he’s only 25 years old.
“This kid has a huge future ahead of him.”
Asked about his performance post-fight, Della replied, “To be honest, I was waiting for the jitters but they never arrived.”
With the victory, the former Eternal welterweight champion moves his record to 11-2.
Full Results:
- Francis Ngannou def. Ciry Gane via Decision (Unanimous) – UFC heavyweight title
- Deiveson Figuiredo def. Brandon Moreno via Decision (Unanimous) – UFC flyweight title
- Michel Pereira def. Andre Fialho via Decision (Unanimous)
- Said Numagomedov def. Cody Stamann via Submission (Guillotine Choke), Rd 1, 0:47
- Michael Morales def. Trevin Giles via TKO (Punches), Rd 1, 4:06
- Victor Henry def. Raoni Barcelos via Decision (Unanimous)
- Jack Della Maddalena def. Pete Rodriguez via TKO (Punches), Rd 1, 2:59
- Tony Gravely def. Saimon Oliveira via Decision (Unanimous)
- Matt Frevola def. Genaro Valdez via TKO (Punches), Rd 1, 3:15
- Vanessa Demopoulos def. Silvana Gomez Juarez via Submission (Armbar), Rd 1, 2:25
- Jasmin Jasudavicius def. Kay Hansen via Decision (Unanimous)
Video: Jack Della Maddalena talks debut at UFC 270, Contender Series experience and more
