Just eleven days out from the biggest fight of his life, UFC champ Jack Della Maddalena has opened up about the motivational speech from his coach that’s racked up a million views online.
Welterweight kingpin Della Maddalena is currently preparing to defend his title for the first time against UFC bogeyman Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 on Nov. 15.
The stakes have never been higher for the West Aussie star – so it’s a good thing he’s got Ben Vickers in his corner.
UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev | SUN 16 NOV 2PM AEDT | Australia’s own Jack Della Maddalena puts his welterweight title on the line against Pound for Pound great and former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev in a blockbuster night of fights, live from New York City | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
Earlier this year, while ‘Della’ was battling Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, Vickers delivered one of the greatest motivational speeches in the history of MMA.
“Alright, listen. You’re five minutes away from being world champ,” Vickers told Della Maddalena before the fifth round.
“Stay focused, on the cage, just disengage, let’s not get back involved. Stay on the jab, busy on the jab, move your feet, never static.
“He’s so tired, make him chase you a bit, make him miss and ping him. You are not f***ing tired, alright.
“Five minutes to realise all your f***ing dreams! Let’s go. Safety first, stay focused and keep pinging the c**t!”
Della Maddalena took the message on board, stayed composed and delivered a dominant final five minutes to win the championship strap.
Vickers’ motivational speech exploded online, with fight fans praising how uniquely Australian his advice was.
“I knew exactly what he meant,” Della Maddalena told Denan Kemp for Fox Sports.
“He wasn’t saying try and finish him. He was saying try and stay on the outside and just ping him, and it made perfect sense to me.
“It was good advice and it’s lived on to be such a great moment in my career.”
Della Maddalena says his fight with Muhammad was the best he’s ever performed – and he’s hoping to take it up another notch when he takes on Makhachev.
The Aussie goes into the showdown in New York as a betting underdog – despite being the champion and the bigger athlete.
“I’m normally the underdog and I’ve always liked that,” says JDM.
“I feel like I’ve always got something to prove.
“Even if I was the favourite I’d go in there thinking that I’ve got everything to prove. I’d still go in with that underdog mindset.”
Della Maddalena says staying calm under pressure has been one of the big secrets to his success in the Octagon.
“I put a lot of emphasis and effort into that,” he said.
“I trust that I can see more stuff the more calm I am. And I trust my ability – I don’t have to move so much – smaller movements are going to be better.
“Staying calm is key.”
The champ has Aussie BJJ legend Craig Jones assisting him with his grappling ahead of his title defense against Makhachev – a move that has paid dividends in the past.
“It’s been awesome,” says JDM.
“He’s an expert grappler and a really good coach.
“It’s hard work, but I definitely feel like iron sharpens iron.
“Every session I do with him I feel like I improve.”
Makhachev told media this week that fight fans have only ever seen him performing at “60 per cent”, which is daunting considering who he has beaten.
‘For Volk’: JDM eyes finish in MSG | 01:53
The Aussie says the Dagestani star is in for a shock.
“He probably thinks he will take me down, hold me down and submit me,”
“I think with the grappling I’ll be able to surprise him.”
And the same goes for when the pair are striking.
“I think we will spend a lot of this fight on the feet and I think I’ll be able to surprise him.”