Rising Aussie welterweight Jack Della Maddalena has narrowly passed what surprisingly turned out to be the toughest test of his UFC career this far.
The Perth local scored a split decision (28-29 x2, 28-29) victory over company newcomer Bassil Hafez at UFC on ESPN 49 in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday in Australia).
Hafez, having stepped up on short notice, wasn't tipped to give the heavy-handed Della Maddalena too many problems but the American put up a hell of a fight.
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Della Maddalena came into the bout with four first-round knockouts in as many UFC appearances but it was Hafez who took the first round, securing three takedowns against his heavily favoured opponent.
The Australian is considered one of the slickest boxers in the division and his hands, particularly his work to the body, were on display in the second.
Hafez did secure a late takedown in the round although he wasn't able to mount much offence.
In the third, Della Maddalena's striking again came to the fore and he looked like he may be able to get Hafez out of there at times but the underdog's wrestling was able to keep him in the fight.
In the end, Della Maddalena did just enough on two judges' cards and got the victory.
After a crazy back and forth match...
— UFC (@ufc) July 16, 2023
JDM takes the split decision at #UFCVegas77! pic.twitter.com/wZxuqFpo1F
The win sees Della Maddalena move to 15-2 and ensures he remains ranked at 170-pounds.
Della Maddalena paid tribute to his opponent's effort on a late call-up.
“I did expect it. A guy with such a big opportunity to come out here and bring the fight and that’s what I wanted, I wanted a three-round fight,” Della Maddalena said post-fight.
“Cheers, Bassil,”
The Aussie even suggested he might have been a touch lucky to get the decision.
“I thought it could go either way, when I heard it was a split, the judges don’t always make good decisions so I thought I might have a good shot,” he added.
The fight with Hafez came a week after Della Maddalena was originally scheduled to step into the cage.
Initially booked to fight Sean Brady at UFC 290 last weekend, Della Maddalena was briefly left without an opponent after the American withdrew due to an infected elbow.
UFC newcomer Josiah Harrell looked like saving the day but he failed a pre-fight medical examination due to an undiagnosed brain condition.
It had looked like Della Maddalena would have to wait for UFC 293 in Sydney on September 10 until the last-minute call to fight Hafez at the UFC Apex popped up.
Della Maddalena pointed out he'd cut weight twice in a week but was keen to get back in there straight away.
“I thought I had to push the pace, two weight cuts, I feel good, ready to go next week,” he added.
