For the first time ever, Australia boasts two UFC champions, and Alexander Volkanovski is absolutely delighted about it.
On Saturday night at UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena secured a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad in the main event, claiming the welterweight title. This win makes Della Maddalena the third Australian champion in UFC history, following Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker. Coupled with Volkanovski regaining the featherweight title at UFC 314 recently, it signifies a historic moment: Australia now has two concurrent UFC champions.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski exclaimed, Jack Delly gets it done! How good is that? Two belts back in Australia!
He described the fight as Great fight, very fun fight. Very competitive.
Analyzing the scoring, he added, I think Jack… as soon as I heard 49-46, I thought that was Jack. If anyone was 49-46, it was Jack. Obviously, there were some close rounds…
He went on to praise Della Maddalena`s technical skills, highlighting his Great boxing, great takedown defense.
Volkanovski noted that even when taken down, Della Maddalena was never in a truly bad position. He found it peculiar, saying, It’s weird with Jack Della. I was even trying to say [Muhammad] might get him down, but he’ll always eventually find his way up.
He likened it to Della Maddalena accepting a brief position on the ground before choosing to stand up at will. Belal was able to get him in the pin, but when he chose, ‘Alright, I’m getting up,’ he just made space and got up,
Volkanovski observed.
Though Della Maddalena emerged victorious, Volkanovski also gave credit to Belal Muhammad for his resilience throughout the bout, which earned them Fight of the Night honors. Despite taking significant strikes, Muhammad was still standing his ground.
Volkanovski commented on Muhammad`s impressive durability, stating, Belal was eating them [big shots]. So credit to Belal, he’s got a chin. I thought shots like that would have gotten him down, so you’ve got to give credit to Belal for eating them like he did.
Returning his focus to the victor, Volkanovski stated, But Della, well done, my man. That’s an incredible victory. Massive win against a tough, well-rounded opponent like Belal. Incredible. Two belts to Australia.
He concluded with palpable excitement about the historical achievement: Incredible. I’m buzzing. Very, very, very happy for Jack Della. That’s making history. Two belts in Australia right now. Two champions at the same time. Incredible. Jack Della, congratulations. Well done, my man.
