Big-hitting Aussie Jack Della Maddalena reveals his aggressive game plan for UFC 284 fight – and the bizarre way he spent his fight of the night bonus from Dana White
- Jack Della Maddalena reveals his game plan for UFC 284
- West Aussie says he’ll try for another first-round knockout
- Della Maddalena is fighting tough American Randy Brown
Breakout Aussie UFC fighter Jack Della Maddalena has opened up about his brutal plans for American Randy Brown at UFC 284 in Perth on Sunday in a clash that’s being held just 15 minutes from his house.
The 26-year-old welterweight, who was named UFC Rookie of the Year in 2022, is one of the most exciting prospects in the world and has won all of his UFC bouts via first-round knockout.
Aussie UFC fighter Jack Della Maddalena (pictured beating Ramazan Emeev last year) has opened up about his brutal plans for American Randy Brown at UFC 284
The 26-year-old welterweight (pictured with wife Michelle) was named UFC Rookie of the Year in 2022 and is one of the most exciting prospects in the world
‘Della’ says he’ll be aiming to do exactly the same thing with Brown in Perth, so fight fans should expect fireworks.
‘I’m going to go after him from the get go,’ revealed Della. ‘I’m going to try to get him out of there in the first round – and if not it’ll be in the second.’
The former rugby player’s incredible rise in the sport has attracted swathes of fans and earned him $145,000 in fight bonuses from Dana White.
However, Maddalena says the most extravagant thing he has purchased with the winnings is an electric scooter – which he now rides nearly every day.
‘It was the first thing I bought when I got the bonus,’ says Maddalena. ‘I ride to the gym on it – it’s nice.’
Unlike some fighters who travel overseas to seek out the gyms with the biggest names in the world, Maddalena has stayed loyal to Scrappy MMA & Fitness in Perth.
Maddalena’s brother Josh is one of the coaches at the gym, and a big reason why the rising star is where he is.
The former rugby player’s incredible rise in the sport has attracted swathes of fans and earned him US$100,000 in fight bonuses from Dana White
‘I train with him every day,’ said Maddalena. ‘He’s two years older than me. He loves that I’ve become what I have. I used to watch his fights and look up to him.
‘He is a massive reason for me being where I am and I don’t think I’d be here if I didn’t have him. He will be in my corner for this fight – and my other coaches too.’
Another huge influence on the West Aussie – though he doesn’t know it – is Brazilian UFC and PRIDE legend Wanderlei Silva, who was known for his win-at-all-costs fighting style.
Maddalena discovered a highlights video of the ‘The Axe Murderer’ when he was a 13-year-old and was immediately impressed.
Another huge influence on the West Aussie – though he doesn’t know it – is Brazilian UFC and PRIDE legend Wanderlei Silva who was known for his ultra-violent fighting style
‘I’ve always liked different styles of fighting. But the first I saw was Wanderlei Silva and it’s stuck with me,’ Maddalena explained.
‘I think his style got me hooked on the sport. But down the track more defensive fighters have interested me too. He’s certainly a big part of what my style is today.’
Rather than slowly build his career, Maddalena prefers to fight as often as he can – but lately he’s finding it very hard to find a willing dance partner.
Nobody seems to want to fight the hard-punching Aussie, so he’s excited to have an opponent for UFC 284.
Nobody seems to want to fight the hard-punching Aussie, so he’s excited to have an opponent for UFC 284
‘I’m aiming to get him [Brown] out of there in the first round,’ explained Maddalena. ‘After that my goals for 2023 is to fight three or four more times in 2023 and be deep in that top ten at welterweight by the end of the year.’
‘It’s going to be an incredible day. And I’m so glad it’s in Perth – it’s only a 15 minute drive from my house.’