Latest news with #DellaMaddalena
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Islam Makhachev admits improved Jack Della Maddalena is 'going to be a hard fight'
Islam Makhachev not taking UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena lightly. Standing in Makhachev's pursuit of a second UFC belt is Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC), who outstruck Belal Muhammad to claim the welterweight title at UFC 315 last month. Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) acknowledges the Aussie has shown vast improvements in his game. Advertisement "It's going to be a hard fight. Honestly, it's going to be," Makhachev told MMA Junkie. "I saw his fight against Belal. He's good, man. When he began fighting in the UFC, he had problems with wrestling, but now he's improved because I've seen him training a lot with wrestlers and grapplers, and that's why he's champion right now. He's good everywhere. But we will see who's the best fighter in the world very soon." Makhachev was surprised to see Della Maddalena dethrone Muhammad, who he's trained with before on numerous occasions. He was also confused by Muhammad's game plan. "It was crazy," Makhachev said. "I know Belal well. I was training with him many times, and I know his skills. I was surprised how he fought. I was surprised by his fight plan. I think he did mistakes. He had the option, but he didn't use (it). He started to wrestle in the last round, maybe. "You have to wrestle from the first round if you have plan to wrestle because you can make him tired – you're not sweating. I saw: Maddalena has improved a lot because he has really good boxing, and he knows everybody is going to try to take him down, and now he has good defense." Advertisement Many viewed Makhachev as a big lightweight, but the move up to welterweight hasn't been as seamless as expected. "I will try to be big, but it's not easy," Makhachev said. "All my life, I've been cutting weight, but now when I want to be big, my weight stays in the same position. I try to lift more. We do some program and slowly, slowly we bring maybe two kilograms now. It's very hard, but I don't want to be big by eating and not training. I want to be with muscles. I want to train, do right lifting program, and bring some muscles." This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Islam Makhachev: Jack Della Maddalena is 'going to be a hard fight'
USA Today
14 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Islam Makhachev admits improved Jack Della Maddalena is 'going to be a hard fight'
Islam Makhachev not taking UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena lightly. Standing in Makhachev's pursuit of a second UFC belt is Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC), who outstruck Belal Muhammad to claim the welterweight title at UFC 315 last month. Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) acknowledges the Aussie has shown vast improvements in his game. "It's going to be a hard fight. Honestly, it's going to be," Makhachev told MMA Junkie. "I saw his fight against Belal. He's good, man. When he began fighting in the UFC, he had problems with wrestling, but now he's improved because I've seen him training a lot with wrestlers and grapplers, and that's why he's champion right now. He's good everywhere. But we will see who's the best fighter in the world very soon." Makhachev was surprised to see Della Maddalena dethrone Muhammad, who he's trained with before on numerous occasions. He was also confused by Muhammad's game plan. "It was crazy," Makhachev said. "I know Belal well. I was training with him many times, and I know his skills. I was surprised how he fought. I was surprised by his fight plan. I think he did mistakes. He had the option, but he didn't use (it). He started to wrestle in the last round, maybe. "You have to wrestle from the first round if you have plan to wrestle because you can make him tired – you're not sweating. I saw: Maddalena has improved a lot because he has really good boxing, and he knows everybody is going to try to take him down, and now he has good defense." Many viewed Makhachev as a big lightweight, but the move up to welterweight hasn't been as seamless as expected. "I will try to be big, but it's not easy," Makhachev said. "All my life, I've been cutting weight, but now when I want to be big, my weight stays in the same position. I try to lift more. We do some program and slowly, slowly we bring maybe two kilograms now. It's very hard, but I don't want to be big by eating and not training. I want to be with muscles. I want to train, do right lifting program, and bring some muscles."
The Advertiser
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Perth sport stars say there's room in city for Bears
Perth has rolled out the royal welcome for State of Origin with the godfather of West Australian sport declaring there is enough room for the Bears in the state. NSW took to the field at the future home of the NRL club on Monday for an opposed session, facing a composite side drawn from local league players and Super Rugby side the Western Force. Also in attendance at HBF Park were UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, former Perth Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy and cricket legends Mike Hussey and Justin Langer. No voice carries more weight in West Australian sport than that of Langer, who was revered in the state during his international cricket playing and coaching careers, and sits on the West Coast Eagles' board. And while the Bears will run through the same winter season as the Eagles once they enter the NRL in 2027, Langer said there was no doubt the city had room for both major football codes. "There's enough people and enough people to support their different codes," Langer said. "The West love their sport. We see it in the summer with the Glory (soccer) as well. The Wildcats (basketball), of course. There is a good following for the Force in rugby union. "A lot of eastern staters come over and work over here. So I get where that passion and energy is coming from." Langer will be at State of Origin II at Optus on Wednesday night, and said he had long been a league fan after being caught in the middle of passionate Queenslanders and NSW players in the Australian cricket squad. "When I was 18, I went to the cricket academy. I didn't really know about rugby league," Langer said. "But then they told me this thing about the State of Origin. I was like, 'Righto'. "But I watched my first State of Origin game. You talk about sport and passion. And the passion, right? And I love that." Langer referenced the intense following for West Coast and Fremantle among West Australians. "There's passion for the game," he said, "but New South Wales and Queensland, man. That's gold." Della Maddalena said he had been won over by the history of Origin fights, with Justin Hodges and Eric Grothe's an early memory. The WA local posed for photos with Blues stars Payne Haas and Stefano Utoikamanu with the UFC welterweight belt he won from Belal Muhammad last month. "There are some big boys, I reckon they would flatten me," Della Maddalena quipped. "I was a rugby union man growing up, but I've always loved State of Origin. I got into it because of the biffs, but they've slowed down a bit now. "I think there is a big following here for rugby league, so to have our own team is exciting stuff." Perth has rolled out the royal welcome for State of Origin with the godfather of West Australian sport declaring there is enough room for the Bears in the state. NSW took to the field at the future home of the NRL club on Monday for an opposed session, facing a composite side drawn from local league players and Super Rugby side the Western Force. Also in attendance at HBF Park were UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, former Perth Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy and cricket legends Mike Hussey and Justin Langer. No voice carries more weight in West Australian sport than that of Langer, who was revered in the state during his international cricket playing and coaching careers, and sits on the West Coast Eagles' board. And while the Bears will run through the same winter season as the Eagles once they enter the NRL in 2027, Langer said there was no doubt the city had room for both major football codes. "There's enough people and enough people to support their different codes," Langer said. "The West love their sport. We see it in the summer with the Glory (soccer) as well. The Wildcats (basketball), of course. There is a good following for the Force in rugby union. "A lot of eastern staters come over and work over here. So I get where that passion and energy is coming from." Langer will be at State of Origin II at Optus on Wednesday night, and said he had long been a league fan after being caught in the middle of passionate Queenslanders and NSW players in the Australian cricket squad. "When I was 18, I went to the cricket academy. I didn't really know about rugby league," Langer said. "But then they told me this thing about the State of Origin. I was like, 'Righto'. "But I watched my first State of Origin game. You talk about sport and passion. And the passion, right? And I love that." Langer referenced the intense following for West Coast and Fremantle among West Australians. "There's passion for the game," he said, "but New South Wales and Queensland, man. That's gold." Della Maddalena said he had been won over by the history of Origin fights, with Justin Hodges and Eric Grothe's an early memory. The WA local posed for photos with Blues stars Payne Haas and Stefano Utoikamanu with the UFC welterweight belt he won from Belal Muhammad last month. "There are some big boys, I reckon they would flatten me," Della Maddalena quipped. "I was a rugby union man growing up, but I've always loved State of Origin. I got into it because of the biffs, but they've slowed down a bit now. "I think there is a big following here for rugby league, so to have our own team is exciting stuff." Perth has rolled out the royal welcome for State of Origin with the godfather of West Australian sport declaring there is enough room for the Bears in the state. NSW took to the field at the future home of the NRL club on Monday for an opposed session, facing a composite side drawn from local league players and Super Rugby side the Western Force. Also in attendance at HBF Park were UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, former Perth Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy and cricket legends Mike Hussey and Justin Langer. No voice carries more weight in West Australian sport than that of Langer, who was revered in the state during his international cricket playing and coaching careers, and sits on the West Coast Eagles' board. And while the Bears will run through the same winter season as the Eagles once they enter the NRL in 2027, Langer said there was no doubt the city had room for both major football codes. "There's enough people and enough people to support their different codes," Langer said. "The West love their sport. We see it in the summer with the Glory (soccer) as well. The Wildcats (basketball), of course. There is a good following for the Force in rugby union. "A lot of eastern staters come over and work over here. So I get where that passion and energy is coming from." Langer will be at State of Origin II at Optus on Wednesday night, and said he had long been a league fan after being caught in the middle of passionate Queenslanders and NSW players in the Australian cricket squad. "When I was 18, I went to the cricket academy. I didn't really know about rugby league," Langer said. "But then they told me this thing about the State of Origin. I was like, 'Righto'. "But I watched my first State of Origin game. You talk about sport and passion. And the passion, right? And I love that." Langer referenced the intense following for West Coast and Fremantle among West Australians. "There's passion for the game," he said, "but New South Wales and Queensland, man. That's gold." Della Maddalena said he had been won over by the history of Origin fights, with Justin Hodges and Eric Grothe's an early memory. The WA local posed for photos with Blues stars Payne Haas and Stefano Utoikamanu with the UFC welterweight belt he won from Belal Muhammad last month. "There are some big boys, I reckon they would flatten me," Della Maddalena quipped. "I was a rugby union man growing up, but I've always loved State of Origin. I got into it because of the biffs, but they've slowed down a bit now. "I think there is a big following here for rugby league, so to have our own team is exciting stuff."
Newsweek
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch UFC 316 Prelims: Live Stream Merab Dvalishvili vs Sean O'Malley 2 Undercard
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. With UFC 316 set to take place on Saturday, some fantastic preliminary fights are kicking off the night before the main event begins, and you can catch all the action with FuboTV. General view of the UFC 238 octagon at United Center on June 8, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. General view of the UFC 238 octagon at United Center on June 8, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. ReyHow to Watch UFC 315 Muhammad vs Della Maddalena: Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 Time: 8:00 PM ET TV Channel: ESPN, ESPN Deportes Stream: FuboTV (TRY FOR FREE) This stacked UFC card features two title fights in the Bantamweight Division (Merab Dvalishvili versus Sean O'Malley) and the Women's Bantamweight Division (Julianna Peña versus Kayla Harrison). As the anticipation for a rematch between Dvalishvili and O'Malley starts to rise, the prelims will give fans something to enjoy before the main event. The prelims will feature bouts between Bruno Silva (14-6-2) and Joshua Van (13-2), Azamat Murzakanov (14-0) and Brendson Ribeiro (17-7), Serghei Spivac (17-5) and Waldo Cortes-Acosta (13-1), as well as Khaos Williams (15-4) and Andreas Gustafsson (11-2). Van is the main draw during these prelims, coming in with a 13-2 professional record, and has won three straight fights by unanimous decision. This is a great UFC fight card that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action. Live stream UFC 316 Prelims for free with Fubo: Start your subscription now! The main event can be purchased to live-stream nationally via pay-per-view with a subscription to ESPN+. UFC 316 UFC 316 ESPN+ Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MMA Junkie's Fight of the Month for May: Jack Della Maddalena takes Belal Muhammad's belt
With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best fights from May 2025: Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie's Fight of the Month award for May. At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting on your choice. Nominee: Daniel Santos def. Jeong Yeong Lee at UFC 315 Daniel Santos and Jeong Yeong Lee produced three solid rounds of action in the featherweight division, busting each other's faces up over the course of 15 minutes as the contest flowed on both the feet and the ground. Advertisement After three rounds, Santos (12-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) was awarded the unanimous decision win over Lee (11-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) with 30-27 scorecards across the board, which was a credit to Lee's toughness. Nominee: Aiemann Zahabi def. Jose Aldo at UFC 315 Aiemann Zahabi went to war with Jose Aldo in what turned out to be the UFC Hall of Famer's final fight before retirement. After a strong start by the former UFC champion, Zahabi (13-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) survived a scare and turned the tables on Aldo (32-10 MMA, 14-9 UFC) to win a competitive unanimous decision, extending his winning streak to six fights and marking the end of Aldo's legendary career. Nominee: Melquizael Costa def. Julian Erosa at UFC Fight Night 256 Melquizael Costa and Julian Erosa were immediately transported to a hospital after their hard-fought battle in the featherweight division. Advertisement Costa (24-7 MMA, 5-2 UFC) and Erosa (31-12 MMA, 9-8 UFC) put on a gruelling three-round scrap, and as a result, both men received an additional $50,000 for Fight of the Night honors. In the end, Costa was awarded the unanimous decision victory after enduring a late swarm from Erosa. Nominee: Alice Ardelean def. Rayanne dos Santos at UFC on ESPN 68 Alice Ardelean got her first UFC win when she outworked the favored Rayanne dos Santos to get her hand raised and snap of eight-month skid women getting Fight of the Night honors. Ardelean (10-7 MMA, 1-2 UFC) pulled off a unanimous decision over dos Santos (14-9 MMA, 0-3 UFC) in the curtain jerker on the prelim in the strawweight division. Dos Santos was more than a 2-1 favorite in the fight, but Ardelean pulled off the upset. The winner: Jack Della Maddalena def. Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 The UFC's welterweight division has a new king, and his name is Jack Della Maddalena. Advertisement Incoming champion Belal Muhammad entered the fight seeking his first title defense, but would run into a stiff challenge in the form of a highly confident Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC). The welterweight title fight served as the main event of UFC 315 at Bell Centre in Montreal. After the final horn sounded, Della Maddalena was declared the new champion unanimously with 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 scores over Muhammad (24-4 MMA, 15-4 UFC). Della Maddalena came forward early, putting pressure on the champ as he landed combinations while the crowd chanted in his favor. After studying his opponent's movements, Muhammad began to open up his offense. Della Maddalena appeared very comfortable on his feet, and grew in confidence after stopping Muhammad's first takedown attempt. Striking exchanges unfolded early in Round 2, with both fighters connecting with clean offerings. Della Maddalena found a home for a hard right hand that turned Muhammad's head, but the champ ate it and continued to come forward. Della Maddalena stifled another takedown attempt, but Muhammad landed nicely on the exit. Still feeling good, Della Maddalena had some fun with a few spinning strikes in the closing seconds of the round. Advertisement A beautiful combination from Della Maddalena started Round 3. As the round progressed, Muhammad chased the challenger all over the octagon, but was met with quick jabs and the occasional two-punch combo. It wasn't all one-way traffic, but Muhammad was unable to land anything of significance to change the tone of the fight. In the fourth round, Muhammad dedicated himself to more takedown attempts. The champ pushed forward with urgency, looking to get the fight to the ground. This caused a few heated exchanges, but it was clearly Muhammad's best round, even though he was on the receiving end of a share of clean strikes. With just five minutes to go and the fight on Della Maddalena's side, Muhammad turned up the pressure more than before. This created some heated moments of hard striking exchanges, where it seemed like the fight could end at any moment. Muhammad was finally able to complete a takedown with over three minutes to work. After landing some ground and pound, Della Maddalena exploded back to his feet and resumed landing sharp strikes, putting Muhammad on wobbly legs. Della Maddalena went for a takedown but was reversed, allowing Muhammad to get off some more offense on the ground momentarily. However, the fight would return to standing, where Della Maddalena would close out his championship-winning performance by pressing on the gas until the final horn. Cast Your Vote! This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Fight of the Month, May 2025: Della Maddalena batters Belal Muhammad
