Coach Addresses Jack Della Maddalena’s Painful UFC 322 Loss to Makhachev
Jack Della Maddalena faced a challenging night at UFC 322, where he lost his welterweight title to Islam Makhachev on Saturday. The main event showcased Makhachev’s grappling expertise, as he controlled the fight for over 19 minutes out of the full 25 minutes. In this lopsided decision, Della Maddalena managed to land only 30 strikes throughout the five rounds.
Post-Fight Reactions
Following the defeat, Della Maddalena’s head coach, Ben Vickers, shared his thoughts on social media. He emphasized pride in both Della Maddalena and their team, despite the loss. Vickers stated, “We dared to dream and took our shot. It hurts like hell but we aren’t defined by this sport.”
The Support System
Vickers also highlighted the importance of support from fans and their community. He expressed love for both Della Maddalena and Scrappy MMA. “We have felt all the support and love over the last couple of weeks and decades; it means the world,” he added.
Fight Overview
Entering the match, Della Maddalena was seen as an underdog against Makhachev, who moved up from the lightweight division. The implications of this fight were significant, given Makhachev’s history of grappling success. Though he was unable to secure a finish, Makhachev consistently took Della Maddalena down and looked for submission opportunities, albeit without success.
Della Maddalena’s Career Journey
- Beginning of Professional Career: After starting with two losses, Della Maddalena rebounded impressively.
- Winning Streak: He went on an 18-fight winning streak, culminating in an 8-0 record in the UFC.
- Previous Title Win: Della Maddalena won his title in May after defeating Belal Muhammad in a stunning performance.
Now, after this defeat, Della Maddalena aims to regroup and refocus. The loss serves as a pivotal moment in his career, marking both an end and a new beginning in his journey within the UFC.
