Jack Della Maddalena showed no nerves in his octagon debut as he picked apart fellow newcomer Pete Rodriguez before earning a devastating first-round finish at UFC 270.
The Contender Series veteran displayed fast footwork offensively and defensively. He ducked, dodged and dodged Rodriguez’s aggressive strikes before launching into his own vicious jab. The end came after Della Maddalena landed a hellacious left hand that put Rodriguez down and out with referee Frank Trigg stopping the fight at 2:59 in the first round.
“To be honest, I was waiting for the jitters and they never came,” Della Maddalena said following the win. It was the same as before. This is what I call the $50 “Same as usual.”
Originally scheduled to fight Warlley Allves, Della Maddalena was not able to blink when UFC presented him with a different opponent. He looked ready for a memorable performance.
From the very first exchange, Della Maddalena began setting up her jab. It started popping Rodriguez in his face as he pleased. After the first few shots landed, Rodriguez was covered in his own blood as Della Maddalena continued to attack with that same punch over and over again.
After repeatedly tagging Rodriguez with the jab and continuing to launch a strong left behind it, Della Maddalena began connecting at will. Finally, Della Maddalena unleased one final left that cracked Rodriguez in the jaw and sent him crashing to the canvas.
A few more punches landed on the ground but Rodriguez was clearly done as the referee rushed in to rescue him before more damage was dished out.
Della Maddalena is a long-standing Australian prospect and can now celebrate his UFC victory with a strong performance Saturday night.
