Australian Jack Della Maddalena’s UFC win slammed by some critics

Australia’s undefeated welterweight Jack Della Maddalena had a much tougher time than expected in his latest bout in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 15: In this handout image provided by UFC, (L-R) Jack Della Maddalena of Australia punches Bassil Hafez in their welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night at UFC APEX on July 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Undefeated Aussie welterweight Jack Della Maddalena was tipped to cruise through his latest UFC bout in Las Vegas, but newcomer Bassil Hafez had other ideas.

A fight that was thrown together at short notice after two opponents withdrew over the past fortnight, Della Maddalena narrowly kept his streak going with a split decision victory that many pundits felt he was fortunate to secure.

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Della Maddalena came into the bout on the back of four straight first-round knockouts, but was made to work very hard for a 29-28, 29-28, 28-29 decision.

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman was among those who felt the American should have earned the victory.

“That was a tough decision but they got it wrong,” Usman tweeted to his 992,000 followers straight after the bout.

That was a tough decision but they got it wrong #UFCFightNight

— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) July 16, 2023

Prominent UFC journalist Ariel Helwani also wasn’t convinced, tweeting: “Sheeesh. JDM wins via split decision. Very close call. Bassil has earned his spot.”

The 31-year-old Hafez has been desperate for his first shot in the UFC for years and he impressed all with his skills against the heavily-favoured Australian.

Della Maddalena himself conceded he was ready for a tough bout despite the short odds.

“I did expect it, a guy with a big opportunity coming out here taking the fight,” Della Maddalena said. “I wanted a three-round fight, cheers Bassil.

“I knew I had to push the pace, I felt good.

“I was trying to push the pace, he’s a big strong boy, so I just tried to push it.”

Jack Della Maddalena (left) of Australia and Bassil Hafez before their bout. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Asked if he was concerned before the decision was announced in the Octagon, the Aussie replied: “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.”

Della Maddalena, a rising star in the sport at 26 years of age, was originally scheduled to fight Sean Brady at UFC 290 last weekend before the American withdrew with an infected elbow.

Brady’s replacement, Josiah Harrell, then had to pull out after routine scans discovered he was suffering from a rare brain disease.

Sheeesh. JDM wins via split decision. Very close call. Bassil has earned his spot.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 16, 2023

Officials then turned to Hafez, who had been calling for his shot every time a fight became available and he more than justified his selection.

Pulling off a series of first-round take-downs, Hafez quickly showed Della Maddalena this would be no easy fight.

The Australian was largely forcing the issue as the fight unfolded and landed some of his trademark heavy punches, but Hafez showed strong endurance throughout.

In the end it came down to the judges and the Aussie just survived, winning his fourth straight UFC contest and 15th straight fight overall, taking his career record to 15-2.