There was no question that welterweight Jack Della Maddalena was being positioned for big things with a main card placement at UFC 284.
Maddalena had been one of the breakout stars of 2022, getting the nod as Newcomer of the Year (tied with Jailton Almeida) from this publication and others. Three fights, three wins, all in the first round made Maddalena someone the UFC wanted to promote.
Randy Brown, on a four-fight wins streak of his own, wanted to play spoiler on Saturday, with the card going down in Perth, Australia — making it a hometown fight for JDM, born in Perth.
In the opening minute of the fight, Brown got a “warm welcome” from fans at the RAC Arena, with an “F-You Randy” chant breaking out. Brown, undeterred, started the fight pressing forward, using his reach well. He mixed in some kicks, and sidestepped out of the way when Maddalena closed the distance. But a moment later, Brown was caught with a right hand to the jaw!! He went down, and Jack Della Maddalena piled on with hammerfists! Brown somehow survived, with the ref taking a good luck. JDM then jumped on Brown’s back, got his hooks in, and wrapped up a rear-naked choke! Already hurt, Brown had no choice but to tap.
If Randy Brown was a test, Jack Della Maddalena passed with flying colors. “I want someone in the top 15 midway through the year,” Maddalena said following the victory. He may just get it.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED (AGAIN)!? #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/eTtrV0y7cz
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023
Official result: Jack Della Maddalena def. Randy Brown by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 2:13
