Jack Della Maddalena has reflected on the loss that cost him his UFC welterweight title.
The Australian was beaten decisively by Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 last November.
Makhachev dominated across five rounds, earning a unanimous 50-45 decision from all judges.
The result saw the Dagestani become a two-weight champion in emphatic fashion.
Jack Della Maddalena admits ‘laziness’ in defeat to Islam Makhachev
Speaking about the fight after four months, ‘JDM’ was candid in his assessment.
“I don’t know. No excuses. The better man won for sure that night. Yeah, no excuses. He was the better man. Come up against one of the best guys in the world and just got to learn from my mistakes and get back,” he told Australian MMA.
“Obviously, what went wrong was getting stuck on my back for 25 minutes, but that’s all right. I think it was a lot of, honestly, it was a bit of laziness, bit of opportunities I didn’t pounce on.
“I should have been more aggressive, not so defensively mindsetted, but yeah, no excuses. The better man won.”
Della Maddalena acknowledged he failed to capitalise on key moments during the fight, and he will have a good chance to bounce back soon.
Carlos Prates fight offers ‘JDM’ a route back to title contention
The 29-year-old Australian now turns his attention to a crucial comeback fight.
He is set to face Carlos Prates at a UFC Fight Night in Perth on 2 May.
Prates has emerged as one of the most dangerous contenders in the welterweight division.
The Brazilian’s rise has made him a significant test for any opponent, and a victory against him would place Della Maddalena back into the title conversation.
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