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In an unexpected turn of events, the highly-touted welterweight prospect, Jack Della Maddalena, will step into the octagon at UFC 290 after all. Following the injury withdrawal of original opponent Sean Brady, Maddalena is now set to face UFC newcomer Josiah Harrell in what promises to be a thrilling showdown on Saturday, July 8.
At just 24 years old, Harrell, hailing from Ohio, has wasted no time making his mark in the MMA world. Despite stepping into the matchup on less than a week's notice, Harrell's recent third-round knockout victory over Mike Roberts at LFA 160 on June 16 showcased his talent and resilience. Having finished all seven of his professional victories, Harrell is now poised to take a massive leap up in competition against the formidable Maddalena.
Maddalena, with an impressive 4-0 UFC record, has been a force to be reckoned with since his debut in early 2022. The young welterweight sensation has secured four consecutive first-round stoppages, earning him a reputation for lightning-fast finishes. His most recent victory, a first-round submission of Randy Brown at UFC 284, garnered him his third consecutive UFC post-fight bonus and further solidified his status as a rising star in the division.
While veteran UFC middleweight Chris Curtis had publicly lobbied for the short-notice opportunity against Maddalena, the UFC ultimately decided to go with Harrell, setting the stage for a clash between two hungry fighters looking to make their mark in the promotion.
UFC 290, taking place this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena, promises to be an unforgettable event. Serving as the centerpiece of the UFC's annual International Fight Week festivities, the card features two highly anticipated title fights. Featherweight champions Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez will unify the belts, while UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno faces off against Alexandre Pantoja in a thrilling trilogy match.
With Maddalena and Harrell stepping into the octagon, fans can expect fireworks and an intense battle for welterweight supremacy. As the excitement builds for UFC 290, fight enthusiasts eagerly await witnessing the clash of these rising stars, as they continue their respective journeys to greatness.