The Las Vegas journey of 26-year-old Jack Della Maddalena, the Australian sensation, has eventually resulted in a fight booking.
He is all geared up to compete against Bassil Hafez, a new entrant to the promotion, in an emergency welterweight fight this coming Saturday at UFC Vegas 77. This news first came to light through a report by Ariel Helwani of MMA Hook.
This matchup is a form of redemption for Maddalena, who decided to stay in Las Vegas in anticipation of arranging a fight, despite two initially scheduled bouts for UFC 290 being cancelled. Maddalena’s original opponent, Sean Brady, had to step back less than two weeks prior to the event due to a severe case of Streptococcus B in his elbow. Subsequently, UFC rookie Josiah Harrell filled in as a replacement, only to withdraw just a day before UFC 290 when a pre-fight MRI detected that Harrell was suffering from moyamoya, a rare neurological condition that, if neglected, significantly increases the risk of a stroke.
With Harrell’s withdrawal, Maddalena was left without an opponent for last Saturday’s card. However, the Australian talent has now been offered a chance to step into the octagon a week later at UFC Vegas 77.
Known as one of the most promising talents in the 170-pound division, Maddalena (14-2) has a flawless record of 4-0 with four first-round knockouts throughout his UFC career, earning him post-fight bonuses for his last three victories. Maddalena managed to defeat Randy Brown in under three minutes during his most recent fight this past February.
Hafez (8-3-1), a 31-year-old American welterweight, is set to make his UFC debut after back-to-back victories against Anthony Ivy and Evan Cutts under the Fury FC banner, both wins happening this past February.
The event, UFC Vegas 77, is scheduled to be held at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, with a women’s bantamweight bout headlining the event, featuring ex-UFC champion Holly Holm against Mayra Bueno Silva.
This report includes contributions from Damon Martin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Vegas 77
Q: Who is Jack Della Maddalena and who is he fighting at UFC Vegas 77?
A: Jack Della Maddalena is a 26-year-old Australian UFC fighter. He is set to fight Bassil Hafez, a promotional newcomer, at UFC Vegas 77.
Q: Why did Jack Della Maddalena stay in Las Vegas?
A: Maddalena stayed in Las Vegas in the hopes of booking a fight after two previously scheduled bouts for UFC 290 fell through.
Q: What were the reasons for the cancellation of Maddalena’s previous opponents?
A: Maddalena’s original opponent, Sean Brady, withdrew due to a severe case of Streptococcus B in his elbow. The replacement, Josiah Harrell, had to withdraw when a pre-fight MRI revealed he suffered from the rare neurological condition moyamoya.
Q: What is Jack Della Maddalena’s UFC record?
A: Maddalena has a record of 14 wins and 2 losses in the UFC. He is considered one of the top rising talents in the welterweight division.
Q: Who is Bassil Hafez and what is his record?
A: Bassil Hafez is a 31-year-old American welterweight who will be making his UFC debut at UFC Vegas 77. His record is 8 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw.
Q: Where is UFC Vegas 77 taking place?
A: UFC Vegas 77 is scheduled to be held at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.
Q: Who is headlining the UFC Vegas 77 event?
A: The headline fight for UFC Vegas 77 is a women’s bantamweight bout between former UFC champion Holly Holm and Mayra Bueno Silva.
More about UFC Vegas 77
- UFC Vegas 77 Official Website
- Jack Della Maddalena UFC Profile
- Bassil Hafez UFC Profile
- Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hook
- Damon Martin’s Report
5 comments
omg!! i cant w8 4 UFC Vegas 77!! Jack Della Maddalena vs bassil hafez gonna b insane!! go JACK!!
Props to Maddalena for sticking around in Vegas and not giving up on getting a fight. That’s dedication right there. Hope he puts on a show and gets the win!
The welterweight division is stacked with talent, and Maddalena is definitely one to watch. His first-round stoppages have been impressive. Can’t wait to see if he continues his winning streak at UFC Vegas 77.
wow, what a rollercoaster ride for Maddalena! 2 cancelled fights, but now he’s finally getting a chance to show his skills. Excited to see him in action at UFC Vegas 77!
It’s unfortunate that Maddalena’s previous opponents had to withdraw, but health comes first. Props to Harrell for discovering his condition before stepping into the octagon. Safety should always be a priority in MMA.