For the first time in history, Australia boasts two simultaneous UFC champions, a milestone celebrated enthusiastically by featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski.
At UFC 315 on Saturday night, Jack Della Maddalena secured a significant upset victory, defeating Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision to capture the welterweight title in the main event. This historic win makes `JDM` the third Australian UFC champion, following Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker. With Volkanovski having recently reclaimed his featherweight title at UFC 314, Australia now proudly holds two UFC belts concurrently.
Commenting on the fight via his YouTube channel, Volkanovski expressed his excitement, stating, “Jack Delly gets it done. How good is that? Two belts back in Australia.” He described the bout as very competitive and fun, adding, “As soon as I heard 49-46, I thought that was Jack. If anyone was 49-46, it was Jack.”
Volkanovski particularly highlighted Della Maddalena`s technical skills, praising his “great boxing” and “great takedown defense.” He observed JDM`s notable ability to return to his feet even when taken down: “Even when he got taken down, was never in a really bad position… Whenever he chooses to make something happen and get back to his feet, he can. You saw that again tonight. Belal was able to get him in the pin, but when he chose, `Alright, I’m getting up,` he just made space and got up.”
While Della Maddalena emerged victorious, Volkanovski also gave credit to Belal Muhammad for his toughness and resilience, especially in absorbing Della Maddalena`s powerful strikes. “Credit to Belal,” Volkanovski remarked. “Della was landing big shots, and Belal was eating them. So credit to Belal, he’s got a chin. You’ve got to give credit to Belal for eating them like he did.”
Concluding his reaction, Volkanovski congratulated Della Maddalena on the “incredible victory” against a formidable and well-rounded opponent like Belal Muhammad. He reiterated his enthusiasm for the historical achievement: “That’s making history. Two belts in Australia right now. Two champions at the same time. Incredible. Jack Della, congratulations. Well done, my man.”
