Jack Della Maddalena silences BJJ World Champion with ruthless choke during camp

This week, the UFC welterweight contender Jack Della Maddalena stunned the mixed martial arts world with footage of him choking out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion Craig Jones during fight preparations for his upcoming title fight. Known for his elite striking skills, the Australian fighter showed off some incredible grappling skills by putting fellow countryman Jones to sleep with a perfect D'Arce choke during a training session before UFC 315 on May 10.
Della Maddalena's grappling evolution silences critics ahead of championship boutThe viral video, recorded by Craig Jones’ official Instagram account, sees Della Maddalena demonstrate the submission with technical precision against arguably one of the world’s best grapplers. Jones captioned the post with self-deprecating humour: "Time to retire. I wish this were a joke. I'm the joke."

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It is a huge moment for Della Maddalena, who steps into the welterweight championship fight against Belal Muhammad in Montreal at UFC 315 after Shavkat Rakhmonov was forced to withdraw from the fight due to injury. It was always questionable whether the striking specialist could deal with Belal Muhammad's famed wrestling and control game, but this training footage suggests Della Maddalena's ground skills have come on leaps and bounds.
Belal Muhammad prepares for first title defence as underdog narrative shiftsMaking his first title defence since capturing the belt, Belal Muhammad has publicly said he wants to display his "Canelo hands" in the form of improved striking ability against the Australian challenger. The champion recently told Grand City Media that he is aiming to provide "one of those moments like Max Holloway versus Calvin Kattar" - referencing an incredible striking performance.

But with Della Maddalena now displaying high-level submission skills to go with his already dangerous boxing background, the stylistic narrative has completely changed. Last year, Della Maddalena earned his BJJ black belt under coach Ben Vickers, and his grappling was on display in his recent win over former title challenger Gilbert Burns at UFC 299.

The welterweight championship clash between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena will be live on pay-per-view at UFC 315, 10 PM ET, May 10, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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With Ian Machado, Garry confirmed as the official backup fighter despite competing just days ago at UFC Kansas City, this welterweight title clash promises to deliver a fascinating stylistic battle between two fighters demonstrating they're far more complete martial artists than previously acknowledged.