Jack Della Maddalena faced three different opponents within a fortnight and concluded with a heated bout against late stand-in Bassil Hafez, culminating in an unexpected Fight of the Night at UFC Vegas 77.
Della Maddalena entered the fight as the clear favorite on the card, but had to fiercely contend to a split decision to maintain his undefeated streak in the UFC, enduring three rounds for the first time since his UFC debut. Saturday night didn’t offer any shortcuts, but Della Maddalena didn’t foresee any, especially with Hafez eager to shine after being granted this UFC opportunity.
“Reflecting on it, it wasn’t my top performance, but it was enjoyable,” Della Maddalena commented during the UFC Vegas 77 post-fight press briefing. “The preceding three weeks were frantic, but at the end of the day, the goal is to get in there and grind out a challenging fight. Hafez had a significant opportunity, and he certainly delivered. It was thrilling.
“I never undervalue anyone’s resilience. When someone steps in with just a week’s notice, you know they are tough. There weren’t any surprises. I’m sure there are lessons to learn and areas for improvement, but that’s the essence of this sport.”
Being pegged as a potential contender in the welterweight division, many anticipated Della Maddalena to bulldoze through Hafez, who agreed to the fight with just five days’ notice.
Contrary to expectations, Hafez managed several takedowns and resiliently stood his ground, while Della Maddalena made several dubious choices, including opting for a guillotine choke repeatedly during the bout.
Della Maddalena faced a considerable amount of criticism concerning his fight strategy and a potentially vulnerable aspect of his grappling, despite successfully thwarting 17 of 20 takedown attempts.
“He scored takedowns,” Della Maddalena admitted. “I don’t believe he achieved much, but I don’t really concern myself with public opinion. My focus is on fighting. Challenges are welcomed. It doesn’t trouble me at all if people question my fight IQ.”
Regarding the decision, Della Maddalena was assured of his victory, though there’s always a degree of uncertainty when the scorecards are being read, especially when one judge scored the fight in Hafez’s favor.
“I believe I delivered the heavier blows,” Della Maddalena said. “There’s always an element of unpredictability. When the split decision was announced, I realized it could swing either way. But I believe I had the upper hand, he was desperately trying for takedowns, and I didn’t feel he caused much damage when he had the upper position.
“I’ll review the fight later, but I’m pleased to have my hand raised in victory and I’m happy for him. He had a huge opportunity and he seized it.”
Looking ahead, Della Maddalena is eagerly anticipating his next matchup and is hopeful for the opportunity to compete on his home turf again with UFC 293 scheduled in Sydney, Australia on Sept. 9.
He is open to any opponent that the UFC proposes, although a rematch with his original contender Sean Brady, who pulled out of UFC 290 due to injury, would be welcome.
“I’m heading back home, I’ll take a few days, get back in the gym and then Sydney, I’m ready,” Della Maddalena said. “A fight with Sean Brady would be exciting. I believe it would be a great match. Hopefully, he watches this and decides to make the trip to Sydney.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jack Della Maddalena UFC Vegas 77
Who was Jack Della Maddalena’s opponent at UFC Vegas 77?
Della Maddalena’s opponent at UFC Vegas 77 was Bassil Hafez, who stepped in as a late replacement.
How did Jack Della Maddalena respond to criticism about his performance?
Jack Della Maddalena responded to criticism by saying he doesn’t care what anyone says. He admits the fight wasn’t his best performance but it was enjoyable, and that he learns from every bout.
What was the result of the fight at UFC Vegas 77?
The fight at UFC Vegas 77 resulted in a split decision victory for Jack Della Maddalena, maintaining his undefeated streak in the UFC.
Who is the originally scheduled opponent of Della Maddalena before the injury?
Della Maddalena was originally scheduled to fight Sean Brady before Brady pulled out due to injury.
Where does Della Maddalena hope to compete next?
Della Maddalena hopes to compete next in his home country, at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia on Sept. 9.
More about Jack Della Maddalena UFC Vegas 77
- UFC Vegas 77 Fight Details
- About Jack Della Maddalena
- Fight Record of Bassil Hafez
- Details on Sean Brady’s Injury
- Upcoming UFC 293 in Sydney
5 comments
It’s not just about winning, it’s how you handle the fight. Jack showed us he can take the heat. Looking forward to seeing him fight in Aus again!
Wow, Jack’s a true fighter! don’t matter the criticism, he’s out there putting on a show. Just keeps going, respect!!
Not his best performance but still he won, that’s what matters. Shows he’s tough. Cant wait to see him in Sydney!
Don’t get why people are hating on Jack. Sure, he made some iffy decisions in the fight but he came out on top! hats off to Hafez tho, he really brought the heat.
Della Maddalena vs Brady, now that’s a fight I want to see! let’s make it happen UFC.