Jack Della Maddalena Embraces Underdog Status Ahead of UFC 322 Showdown

Australian champion leans on gratitude, advice from Volkanovski before title defense

Jack Della Maddalena, the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion, is gearing up for a title defense at VeChain UFC 322, and where better to do it than the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City? Even with the championship belt slung over his shoulder, Della Maddalena is happily donning the underdog cape as he prepares to square off against Islam Makhachev in the main event, following the Makhachev move to the welterweight division. Talk about walking into the lion’s den with a grin!

For Della Maddalena, this fight isn’t just another day at the office—it’s a golden ticket to prove himself on one of MMA’s grandest stages, especially with speculation already swirling after the Nurmagomedov comments. “Being the underdog just means I get to surprise people again,” he’s quipped in recent interviews, and you can almost hear the twinkle in his eye. That chip-on-the-shoulder mentality has been the fuel to his fire during training camp.

The Aussie fighter is quick to tip his hat to the trailblazers before him—Robert Whittaker and Alexander Volkanovski. He credits both men not just for their championship hardware, but for blazing a path and lighting the way for Australia’s next generation of fighters, as contenders like Leon Edwards fight to claw their way back into the title picture. If you ask him, he’s standing on the shoulders of giants.

And when it comes to preparing for this high-stakes bout, Della Maddalena has been all ears with Alexander Volkanovski, who’s already danced with Makhachev in the Octagon. Della Maddalena has openly acknowledged that Volkanovski’s hard-earned wisdom has been a guiding star in shaping his game plan for this fight.

Gratitude seems to be Della Maddalena’s secret sauce. He’s never shy about expressing how thankful he is for the doors that have opened and the milestones he’s reached. But make no mistake—he’s got his eyes firmly on the prize: defending his title and sharpening his skills, one round at a time.

If you’re itching to catch UFC 322, snag tickets to the press events, or just want to keep tabs on the latest updates, the UFC’s athlete profiles and social media channels have you covered. Just remember, as with any good fight night, event details can change faster than a spinning back kick.

With a blend of humility and steely determination, Jack Della Maddalena is ready to step into the Madison Square Garden spotlight—underdog label and all. And who knows? Maybe he’ll steal the show, one surprise at a time.