“It Hurts Like Hell” – Jack Della Maddalena’s Coach on Islam Makhachev’s UFC 322 Title Loss
Well, UFC 322 has come and gone, and with it, Jack Della Maddalena’s shot at welterweight glory. The highly anticipated title fight against the formidable Islam Makhachev in New York City ended just how many feared it would: with Makhachev’s hand raised and a new belt around his waist. It was a classic grappler-versus-striker matchup, and unfortunately for Team Maddalena, the grappler did what grapplers do best.
In the aftermath of the five-round mauling, Maddalena’s head coach, Ben Vickers of Scrappy MMA, took to social media to share his thoughts. And in a refreshing display of honesty, he didn’t pull any punches about how the loss felt. “It hurts. It hurts like hell,” Vickers admitted, echoing the sentiment of Maddalena fans worldwide who watched their guy get systematically dismantled.
A Coach’s Pride in Defeat
You might expect a coach to be nothing but disappointed after such a high-stakes loss, but Vickers’ message was dripping with pride. Let’s be real, stepping into the octagon with a monster like Makhachev is a tall order for anyone. Vickers acknowledged the pain but framed it as a consequence of daring to aim high.
“I am more proud of Jack and the team today than ever before,” Vickers wrote on Instagram. “True, we didn’t get the marbles, but we dared to dream and took our shot.” It’s the kind of statement that reminds you this is more than just a sport; it’s about having the guts to chase greatness, even when the odds are stacked against you. Vickers made it clear that while the loss stings, it doesn’t define them. “We aren’t defined by this sport; it’s just what we love to do,” he added.
What Went Wrong for Maddalena?
So, where did it all go sideways for Jack Della Maddalena? To put it bluntly, he got Islam’d. From the opening bell, Makhachev implemented his game plan with chilling efficiency. He closed the distance, smothered Maddalena against the cage, and dragged him into his world on the mat.
Fellow fighter Arman Tsarukyan, never one to mince words, summed it up perfectly. “I thought Jack would be able to defend some takedown and get up from the ground. But he could do absolutely nothing,” Tsarukyan commented. “Islam showed he was on another level. He nullified all his strong attributes and just dominated.” That’s a brutal, but painfully accurate, assessment. Maddalena‘s vaunted striking was completely neutralized, and he spent the better part of 25 minutes fighting for survival, not for a title.
The Beginning, Not the End
Despite the one-sided nature of the fight, Coach Vickers is looking at this as a beginning, not an end. It’s a learning experience, albeit a very public and painful one. He gave a heartfelt thanks to their community for the “support and love over the last couple of weeks and decades,” emphasizing the strength of their team at Scrappy MMA.
“I love Jack and the Team, and I love Scrappy MMA and our community,” Vickers concluded. “I’ll see you all on the mats as soon as I’m back in glorious P Town. And rest assured, this is the beginning, not the end.”
For Maddalena, the path back to a title shot just got a lot longer. He’s tasted the top of the mountain and been thrown off it. Now, it’s about regrouping, plugging the glaring holes in his game, and starting the climb all over again. One thing’s for sure: with a coach and a team like his, he won’t be doing it alone.
