One of Western Australia’s toughest athletes is back in the spotlight on Sunday when Jack Della Maddalena attempts to become a UFC champion.

Della Maddalena will fight for the welterweight title when he takes on current champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in Montreal.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing ‘Della’ over the years, watching him train, and witnessing the progress he’s made throughout his career.

He is one determined individual who works very hard. Even before making it into the UFC, fighting as an amateur, he trained like a professional and did the extra one percenters.

Not much fazes him. The 28-year-old is a relaxed guy who enjoys whatever challenge is in front of him by being in the moment. This is his biggest moment so far, and nothing changes.

Jack’s time in the UFC has been short but the whole journey hasn’t been.

When I walked into Scrappy MMA gym in Willetton - where he trains - a few years back, I wasn’t sure what to expect. You can enter some fighting gyms and find the whole scene pretty intimating.

I must admit, I saw mixed martial arts as an untechnical sport at the time and probably expected to find big aggressive beasts with a couple of screws loose.

Instead, I never once felt threatened and was blown away by the calmness, composure and professionalism of Perth’s dedicated MMA fighters.

Della Maddalena has climbed a mountain just to get this opportunity, enduring four operations after breaking his left forearm in a TKO win over Gilbert Burns in March last year.

That last fight was a brutal one against a tough and experienced opponent. Despite all the setbacks with his recovery, Jack’s desire to get back in the Octagon and earn his shot at the welterweight title has been fierce.

Often, when a fighter is returning from an extended break, the term ‘ring rust’ is thrown about in the media. It’s like a batter or bowler in cricket who has been out for a while and lacks touch or rhythm or a footballer who comes back with an injury repaired but lacking ‘match fitness’.

All sports have a term they use, but in the end, Jack knows his game and knows the feeling of getting in the contest. His training simulates this, so it’s not going to be a shock to the system. He even proved that recently in camp, choking out Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Craig Jones in a training session.

Although I haven’t seen his training in recent times, I trust his coach, Ben Vickers, who believes Jack is ready. He said from day one that Jack will be a champion in the UFC one day. Whenever I’ve asked about his training, Ben says he’s prepared, now it’s time to execute.

Della Maddalena has most, if not all, of his team with him in Canada to support him during the title fight. They have had a good lead-up to this fight, getting over there early to acclimatise, and having his team working with Jack daily is vital.

Typically, a few members of the Scrappy team go over when a fight is on, but this one is special. It helps create a sense of normality, and the team usually sets itself up in an Airbnb so they can train and feel like they are at home. The support from back home in WA will be huge as well.

I truly believe Jack will be ready for this challenge. He has the focus, desire, and ambition to be a champion. He’s more than ready and has done enough to earn this title shot.

Seeing another UFC champion emerge from Australia just weeks after Alex Volkanovski’s title win would be remarkable.

Jack’s dream of becoming a UFC champion and climbing to the top of the sport has come around fast. He knows that the opportunity to fight for the title is a pivotal moment in his career, and he’s determined to make it count.

The work he’s put in during training camps, the sacrifices he’s made, and the challenges he’s overcome have all led him to this point.

You could even see in the face-off leading in that Jack is fired up and ready. All the talk is done. The long-term plan to get a title shot for Della Maddalena is here.

Like many elite athletes, Jack understands that each fight can define his legacy. He’s not just looking to compete; he wants to leave a lasting impression.

There’s a fire in him that drives him to not just succeed, but to do so in a spectacular fashion. Winning by knockout would not only validate his hard work but also showcase his skill and power in the Octagon.

The weight of expectation is palpable—not just from fans and commentators, but from himself. He’s set high standards and knows that achieving his dreams requires not only talent and hard work but also a mindset focused on excellence.

The moment to shine is here and he’s ready to seize it. Go and become a world champion, mate.