Jan 22, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Jack Della Maddalena (red gloves) celebrates his win by TKO against Pete Rodriguez (blue gloves) during UFC 270 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jack Della Maddalena explains why he didn’t touch gloves with Pete Rodriguez before highlight finish.
UFC welterweight Jack Della Maddalena was all business with his approach to his fight with Pete Rodriguez at UFC 270.
Maddalena, who was making his UFC debut after earning a contract via Dana White’s Contender Series, opted not to touch gloves with Rodriguez. As Rodriguez gestured for a glove touch as the fight began, Maddalena shook it off, to the surprise of the commentary team and some fans.
During his UFC 270 post-fight press conference, Maddalena explained why he didn’t oblige to Rodriguez’s desire for a glove touch at the beginning of the fight.
“It’s not a disrespectful thing, all the respect to him and his team,” Maddalena said. “I just think if we’re out there fighting, I don’t see the point in touching gloves.”
Maddalena would go on to earn a vicious first-round knockout over Rodriguez. His boxing proved to be too much for Rodriguez, who was filling on short notice for the originally-booked Warlley Alves.
Jack Della Maddalena could be Australia’s next UFC star
Maddalena garnered the attention of UFC president Dana White after a dominant win over Ange Loosa on DWCS. The former Eternal MMA welterweight champion is off to a great start in his UFC career after passing his first test with flying colors.
Maddalena has the potential to join the ranks of former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, and current featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski amongst the best fighters out of Oceania. Despite being just 25 years old, his fight IQ and boxing abilities appear to be well beyond his years.
Maddalena could be a fighter to watch in 2022 and beyond. He’ll look to continue his winning ways in his next octagon appearance later this year.
UFC 270 took place on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. Follow along with FanSided MMA, who is on-site, for all your news and highlights.
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