UFC 322: Coach Ben Vickers Reflects on Jack Della Maddalena’s Title Loss to Islam Makhachev

The recent UFC 322 event in New York City saw Islam Makhachev claim the welterweight championship title, defeating Jack Della Maddalena in a unanimous decision. Following the fight, Della Maddalena’s head coach, Ben Vickers, expressed his pride in his team and acknowledged the disappointment of the loss.

Vickers took to Instagram to address the defeat, stating that while the outcome was not what they had hoped for, the experience was valuable. “We dared to dream and took our shot,” he wrote. “It hurts. It hurts like hell, but we aren’t defined by this sport; it’s just what we love to do.” The coach also expressed gratitude for the support of their fans, saying it “means the world” to the team.

The title fight saw Makhachev dominate the five-round contest, utilizing his grappling skills to outmaneuver Della Maddalena. The victory marked a significant milestone in Makhachev’s career, as he became the new welterweight champion. Top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan shared his thoughts on the fight, stating that he had expected Della Maddalena to put up more of a challenge. “Islam showed he was on another level,” Tsarukyan said. “He nullified all his strong attributes and just dominated.”

The loss may be a setback for Della Maddalena, but his coach remains optimistic about the future. Vickers emphasized that this is “the beginning, not the end” for the team, and they will regroup and continue to work towards their goals. As the UFC welterweight division continues to evolve, fans can expect to see Della Maddalena and his team back in action, driven by their passion for the sport and their determination to succeed. With the support of their community and their own resilience, they are likely to bounce back from this defeat and come back stronger.