Former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena has finally spoken out after suffering a devastating TKO loss to Carlos Prates at UFC Perth earlier this month.
The defeat marked the second straight loss for Jack Della Maddalena, who is now experiencing the first losing streak of his professional MMA career. The Australian returned to action in Perth, hoping to work his way back into title contention after losing the welterweight belt to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 last November.
Instead, Maddalena ran into a red-hot Carlos Prates, who delivered one of the most dominant performances of his UFC run.
Prates systematically broke Maddalena down with brutal leg kicks, sharp elbows, and relentless pressure before securing a third-round TKO stoppage in front of the Australian crowd at RAC Arena.
Following the loss, Jack Della Maddalena stayed silent publicly and avoided media appearances in the immediate aftermath of the event. However, 11 days later, the former champion finally addressed fans in a statement posted on Instagram.
“Thanks for all the love and support,” Maddalena wrote.“I could not be prouder to represent my gym, my family, my city and country.”
“Not the desired result this time around, but it was in line with the desired challenge; fighting the most vicious and toughest opponents.”
The statement reflected the mindset that has made Jack Della Maddalena one of the UFC’s most respected welterweights. Even in defeat, the Australian made it clear he has no interest in taking easy fights.
Before his recent setbacks, Maddalena had built an impressive reputation inside the Octagon. He stormed through the welterweight division with wins over top names such as Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, and Belal Muhammad.
His victory over Muhammad at UFC 315 earned him the UFC welterweight title and extended his incredible winning streak to 18 straight fights before Islam Makhachev snapped it at UFC 322.
Against Prates, though, Maddalena struggled to find answers. The Brazilian striker controlled the range early and consistently punished the former champion’s legs before eventually overwhelming him on the feet. Now, Jack Della Maddalena faces a crucial moment in his career.
Despite the losses, the 170-pound division remains wide open, and Maddalena is still viewed as one of the elite names in the weight class. A strong comeback performance later this year could quickly put him back into the title conversation.
Meanwhile, the welterweight division continues to move forward with Islam Makhachev expected to defend the belt against either Carlos Prates, Ian Machado Garry, or Michael Morales in the coming months.
As for Maddalena, his focus now appears to be recovery, rebuilding, and eventually earning another shot at UFC gold.
And judging by his message to supporters, Jack Della Maddalena is far from done chasing the toughest fights possible.
