UFC 270: Jack Della Maddalena defeated Pete Rodriguez.
Jack Della Maddalena defeated Pete Rodriguez via TKO (strikes), Round 1 – 2:59 at UFC 270 on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.
“To be honest, I was waiting for the jitters but they never came. Same as usual. That’s what I like to call the 50 g’s spot,” said Della Maddalena as he appealed for a performance bonus in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
From the opening bell, until the fight was stopped, it was all Della Maddalena. The Australian fighter picked apart Rodriguez with his striking. Despite the fight not even going three minutes, Rodriguez’s face was a bloody mess. After landing a few short shots with his right, Della Maddalena caught Rodriguez coming in and landed a powerful left hook to the jaw. Immediately, Rodriguez dropped backward to the canvas. Della Maddalena landed a couple of follow-up shots on Rodriguez, forcing referee Frank Trigg to move in and stop the fight.
After losing his first two professional fights, Della Maddalena rallied to win 10 straight. The UFC took notice of the Australian prospect, who made his promotional debut at UFC 270. The impressive knockout finish should make Della Maddalena a fighter to watch going forward.
Rodriguez turned professional on Oct. 22, 2020, and won his first four career fights, all by knockout. The Arizona native also made his UFC debut on Saturday night after agreeing to the fight as a short-notice replacement for Warlley Alves. Despite suffering his first career loss, Rodriguez should get another chance inside of the Octagon.