Aussie Jack Della Maddalena stuns UFC with wild comeback KO
Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena has proved he’s a future UFC title contender with a wild comeback KO win that came from nowhere.
UFC
Don't miss out on the headlines from UFC. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena has claimed the biggest win of his career with a thrilling knockout victory over veteran Gilbert Burns at UFC 299.
Burns had the better of the three rounds and looked on track for victory when he took Maddalena down and grappled with him against the fence in the third round.
UFC 299: O’MALLEY VS VERA 2 | SUN 10 MAR | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the new exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View events!
But the Aussie somehow wriggled free to give himself a shot at a finish with a couple of minutes remaining.
Maddalena landed some heavy jabs before unleashing a brutal knee straight to Burns’ face, leaving the Brazilian dazed.
In a stunning turnaround, Maddalena secured a take-down and finished Burns off with some old fashioned ground and pound before the referee stepped in, giving him the win.
Burns was tended to by medical staff on the canvas for several minutes.
Joe Rogan said on Main Event: “Wow, what a huge moment from Jack Della Maddalena.
“Boom, there’s the big knee. Jack Della Maddalena all over him with hammer fists and nasty elbows.”
Watch the knee kick knockout in the video player above.
The undefeated Aussie claimed victory via knockout with 1:17 left in the third and final round.
He called out undefeated No. 3 ranked welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov after the victory.
Maddalena said: “There’s some scary people in this division, but I’m the f***ing scariest.
“Shavkat Rakhmonov, I think me and you could make a hell of a title eliminator. One of the best in the business. Let’s go.”
It’s Maddalena’s 17th MMA win in a row and seventh straight victory in the UFC — and one that makes him a real threat in the welterweight division.
The 27-year-old has impressed since appearing on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021 and is edging very close to a title shot.
UFC fans were stunned by Maddalena’s brutal KO escape and said it was proof he’s a future title contender.
Collingwood legend Dane Swan tweeted: “What a win for JDM. Title shot isn’t far away.”
MMA commentator Ariel Helwani posted: “JDM stops Gilbert Burns via strikes in the third. Wow! Amazing finish. Probably went a tad too long but without a doubt the biggest W of his career.”
Barstool Sports’ Robbie Fox said: “Ohhh myyyy goddddd. Burns had the fight won. One knee. Damn.”
Fansided MMA’s Amy Kaplan said: “WHAT!? That was wild!! JDM is a beast.”
After Alex Volkanovski lost his featherweight belt to Ilia Topuria last month, Maddalena is looking like Australia’s next UFC champion every time he steps in the Octagon.
Originally published as Aussie Jack Della Maddalena stuns UFC with wild comeback KO
UFC star offered opponent extra $50k to save boxing debut
A contract spat has put a sudden end to Tyson Pedro’s boxing debut, with the fight collapsing due to a payment dispute, despite an extra incentive being offered to keep the fight intact.
$1.2 trillion Trump pic is ‘richest ever seen’
Elon Musk got all the headlines when he sat with Donald Trump at UFC 309, but the real bombshell is the man on the other side of the President-elect.