Jack Della Maddalena picked up a big win this past June when he TKOed Ramazan Emeev with a liver shot in the first round. That win put him on the fast track to the top 15 and on the radar of UFC fans everywhere. Two months later, he scored an even bigger win: the birth of his son.
The new dad now enters UFC Vegas 65 with a new perspective on life. While it might be difficult for some to get to the gym with a little guy bouncing around, it’s helped Della Maddalena.
“It’s different you know, but it’s honestly been a really good motivator. I was always well motivated before, but it’s just an awesome motivator,” he explained. “I just want to go to the gym now, and I feel like I’m going with much more of a purpose.”
Although many first-time parents undoubtedly lose sleep, and he is no different, he actually says it’s helped him in terms of resting. Part of the reason for this, is that it helped him create a barrier between the two parts of his life.
“When I get home, it’s much better rest as well because I’m completely zoned in on family life,” he shared. “So it’s really brought more balance to my life, which has been perfect.”
Although a lot of new parents like bringing their kids to the fights, it’s a little hard for him being half the world away. He hopes to get the family out to one in the near future though.
“I was trying to get him over [to this fight] with the wife, but I think it’s a bit hard now,” Della Maddalena explained. “Next time I think he’ll come out… definitely next time I’ll bring the family out. He might not be at the fight, but he’ll at least be in the vicinity.”
But before he can get to that next fight, he’ll have to get through this one first. This Saturday Jack Della Maddalena will fight Danny Roberts as part of the ESPN+ main card of UFC Vegas 65.
You can hear the entire audio of this interview at 2:13.
