Jack Della Maddalena is one of the top prospects contenders in the UFC’s welterweight division. Having made a surging run through the division, Jack has quickly become well-beloved owing to his fan-friendly style. That said, recent news suggests that it will be quite sometime before the fans see him in action again.
For those unaware, Jack Della Maddalena is the #5 ranked welterweight contender, who enjoyed a quick rise to the top following impressive wins over big names. In his last outing earlier this year, Jack took on divisional mainstay Gilbert Burns and overcame some early adversity to completely turn things around in Round 3, and knock out his man.
What a finish to this fight by Jack Della Maddalena 👏
He pulls through in round three to get the TKO! #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/be6pIihdvO
— UFC (@ufc) March 10, 2024
A massive win for the Aussie fighter, but the downside to the win was a brutal bone break in his left arm. Although the fighter suffered the breakage midway through the fight, the adrenaline carried him through to the finish. That said, Jack had also called for fellow welterweight prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov in what would be a potential title eliminator. However, recent updates from the fighter suggest that things have not gone to plan.
Jack Della Maddalena reveals that he will not be able to recover in time for UFC 305
As it turns out, Jack Della Maddalena having dispatched of a top name in the division looked to make the most of his momentum and called for Shavkat Rakhmonov. Undefeated and unfazed in his UFC career so far, Rakhmonov is an imposing presence and one touted to be a future title holder. Thus, for Jack to call for the Kazakh fighter was a bold move, to say the least.
In the days thereafter, it was understood that owing to injury setbacks to both fighters, a showdown would need to take place much later in the year. As such, ‘JDM’ made his intentions to return at UFC 305, set to take place in Perth, very clear. Unfortunately, the fighter has since revealed that the wound from his surgery had started indicating infection.
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“Unfortunately this means I won’t be competing at UFC 305 in Perth. Which is a tough pill to swallow. At the moment I am focused on recovery, Ridding my body of infection and allowing the bone to mend. planning to get my arm back to 100% which if all goes well will be in 12 weeks time.”
Owing to abscesses and repeated infections, the healing process has been significantly delayed in Jack Della Maddalena’s arm. Currently, the fighter is set to undergo a few more surgeries which will see him get rid of infected tissue and infected bone. That said, he remains optimistic that he can return sometime before the end of the year.
How does the injury setback affect Jack Della Maddalena’s momentum?
All things considered, the injury setback will be a difficult one to take for Jack Della Maddalena as he was looking to keep his hot streak going. With considerable time between his fights, it could also affect his abilities inside the Octagon, potentially requiring him to take time to get adjusted once again. However, as it turns out, the injury delay may even work out for the better in Jack’s favor.
For the most part, the 27-year-old has made his intentions clear about a potential fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Believing it to be the ‘biggest title eliminator in UFC history’ Jack will want nothing more than to have the opportunity to fight the man he has been calling for since his arrival in the UFC. Thus, seeing that ‘The Nomad’ is currently having injury struggles of his own, a similar return date will benefit the Aussie.
Owing to reports of delays and setbacks from Shavkat’s camp it is likely that he would not have been able to make it for UFC 305 set for August 18. 2024. Instead, Jack Della Maddalena may instead have had to face Sean Brady, which would have been a bad matchup for him. As such, a return potentially at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, as revealed by Jon Jones, would be a suitable fit for both Jack and Shavkat.