The Italian-Aussie Dynamo: The Rise of Jack Della Maddalena
Giacomo “Jack” Della Maddalena is not just a rising star in the UFC; he is the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion and a fighting prodigy whose success is rooted in the rich grit of his heritage and his unwavering self-belief. Born on September 10, 1996, in Perth, Western Australia, JDM grew up influenced by his family’s Italian (Sardinian) roots, which instilled in him the famous Mediterranean toughness and determination.
From the Rugby Pitch to the Ring
Jack’s athletic life began not in a cage, but on a field. He was a dedicated rugby player from the age of eight through high school, representing his school and thriving in the sport’s physical chaos. This passion for contact was channeled further by his older brother, Josh. The two would engage in intense, full-contact “backyard brawls,” which Jack now credits for forging his durability and competitive fire.
At 14, he followed his brother into a boxing gym to improve his rugby fitness, but quickly fell in love with the striking arts. By age 16, he transitioned into full-time MMA training. This early dedication paid off, overcoming the initial professional setback of losing his first two career fights to go on a monumental, unbeaten 18-fight winning streak, showcasing the mental fortitude that would define his career. His record now stands at 18 wins and 2 losses (18-2-0), featuring 12 knockouts and two submissions.
The Precision of a Champion Striker
Fighting out of Scrappy MMA in Perth, JDM quickly became known for his incredibly sharp, precise boxing, a style that has been described as lethal. His striking accuracy and ability to put opponents away with clean, powerful combinations earned him four Performance of the Night bonuses and two Fight of the Night bonuses inside the Octagon. He successfully climbed the Welterweight ranks by dispatching tough veterans like Gilbert Burns (via TKO) and Kevin Holland (via Split Decision).
The capstone of his career thus far came in May 2025 at UFC 315, where he defeated former title challenger Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision to capture the UFC Welterweight Championship. Despite his striking dominance, his game is rounded out by a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, adding a layer of threat that makes him a terrifying puzzle for any challenger. He is a fighter who takes calculated risks, showing confidence and composure regardless of the moment’s magnitude.
The Ultimate Test: Defending the Welterweight Throne
The future is now for Jack Della Maddalena. He is set to make his first defense of the Welterweight title in what is arguably the most highly anticipated matchup of the year. He will headline UFC 322 against former two-time Lightweight Champion and pound-for-pound great Islam Makhachev.
The Welterweight Championship bout will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. This is a classic striker-versus-grappler contest, with Makhachev moving up a division to challenge JDM’s reign. With his team training with wrestling experts like Alexander Volkanovski, JDM is fully preparing to neutralize Makhachev’s grappling and impose his striking power. For the young champion, a successful title defense against an elite name like Makhachev would cement his status not just as the best Welterweight in the world, but as a global superstar in the making.
Read more | UFC 322 | ESPN | Fight Preview | Get to know
TL;DR Video