Jack Della Maddalena’s coach, Ben Vickers, has spoken out after his fighter lost his welterweight title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322.
Makhachev secured a unanimous decision victory 50-45 (x3), giving Della Maddalena his first MMA loss. The manner of the loss was hard to take, given Islam dominated despite the pre-fight narrative that he might struggle since he was moving up from lightweight. Della had also secured his biggest win heading into the fight, beatintg Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May to secure the title. The Australian had also been training with the featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who had faced Islam twice even if he came up short both times. Since the loss, Della Maddalena has remained quiet on social media. However, his coach had this to say.
“I am more proud of Jack and the team today than ever before. True, we didn’t get the marbles but we dared to dream and took our shot. It hurts. It hurts like hell but we aren’t defined by this sport it’s just what we love to do. We have felt all the support and love over the last couple weeks and decades and it means the world. I love Jack and the Team and I love Scrappy MMA and our community. I’ll see you all on the mats as soon as I’m back in glorious P Town. And rest assured, this is the beginning not the end,” Vickers said
The Future