Overview
- Jack Della Maddalena said his late-fight grimace against Islam Makhachev reflected disappointment in his own showing and he admitted to moments of “laziness.”
- He dismissed talk of an injury, which grew after his coach urged him to lose the “sad look” before the final round.
- He will headline UFC Perth on May 2 against Brazilian puncher Carlos Prates and said he believes he can outclass him.
- Makhachev took Della Maddalena’s welterweight title in November 2025 with about 19 minutes of control time, four takedowns, and roughly 140 strikes.
- Della Maddalena captured the belt from Belal Muhammad in May 2025, and a win in Perth could launch a bid for a rematch with Makhachev.