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Jack Della Maddalena finally addressed his UFC 322 loss to Islam Makhachev

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Nov 21, 2025 10:38 AM ET

This past weekend saw Jack Della Maddalena experience his first defeat in over a decade.

Islam Makhachev secured a convincing victory over Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 322 at the Madison Square Garden.

The Australian found himself in trouble early on, and things did not get any easier from there. Makhachev’s wrestling was simply too much, and he could not break free.

While many fans still support him, some have pointed to the one-sided nature of the fight as a cause for concern about what is next for ‘JDM’.

The 29-year-old has now spoken for the first time since losing his title at Madison Square Garden.

Jack Della Maddalena gives Islam Makhachev respect following UFC 322

Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images

It was a night to forget for Della Maddalena and his team after losing at such an iconic venue.

A lot of fans thought he would have the size and skills to trouble Makhachev, but that did not happen.

Even so, the Dagestani spoke highly of him after their fight, giving credit where it was due.

The former welterweight champion has only now posted a public statement on social media, despite his head coach having already commented on the fight.

‘JDM’ posted several images from fight week in New York, accompanied by a characteristically brief caption: “Thanks to those always supporting. Islam [Makhachev] is one of the greats and deserved to win. I will learn and move forward.”

Ben Vickers hopes Jack Della Maddalena reflects on the positives from 2025

Ben Vickers, Della Maddalena’s coach, also expressed a high level of respect for Makhachev and the performance he delivered.

And while it was a rough night for their side, Vickers does not want his fighter to spend all of his time away from the sport focusing on what went wrong.

Speaking to Submission Radio, he expressed his hope that ‘JDM’ would reflect on their 2025 achievements and appreciate the positives during his time away from the Octagon.

“Let’s let him have Christmas with his family, not even thinking about what’s next. Let’s enjoy and smell the roses even though you’d feel like that isn’t the appropriate statement, I think it’s been a great year for us. We won the world title. Yeah, unfortunately we lost it again to an incredible, incredible fighter and we know what the level is.”

Della Maddalena is still just 29 years old and seems poised to remain in contention at welterweight for some time yet.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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