'Whole country behind him': UFC legend makes bold call as Aussie eyes off title shot
UFC legend Daniel Cormier believes rising Australian star Jack Della Maddelana could be "the most marketable guy" in the company's welterweight division.
The 28-year-old is yet to lose under the UFC umbrella and has entrenched himself firmly in the top-five of the 170lb weight class since signing with the promotion in 2022.
Della Maddalena (17-2) knocked out Gilbert Burns earlier this year and rumours have been circling in recent months that former champion Kamaru Usman could be next.
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While that fight is yet to be announced, Della Maddelana appears to be one big win away from a shot at the gold, which is currently held by Belal Muhammad.
Jack Della Maddalena is rising up the UFC rankings. Getty
Speaking on ESPN's Good Guy/Bad Guy this week, Cormier heaped praise on the Perth product and believes it's only a matter of time before he is fighting on the biggest stage.
"I think Jack Della Maddalena is one fight away from fighting for the belt," Cormier said.
"What the UFC will do, they know star building. When you get a guy like Jack Della Maddalena, who has an entire country behind him, that everybody is excited about, they will find a way to get him into the position if he earns it.
"If he beats a Kamaru Usman, there will be no other obstacle - because if I am being honest with you, the most marketable guy as a champion right now is Jack.
"Because of where he is from, having the entire country behind him, the way they are excited about him and the way they love Jack Della now as a contender.
"If he's ever fighting for a belt, you will bring that entire country behind him."
Della Maddalena's potential bout with Usman was touted for UFC 312 in Sydney at one stage, but that appears like an unlikely landing spot two months out from the event.
Melbourne featherweight Jack Jenkins will be the latest Aussie to join the undercard when he takes on Gabriel Santos.
Sean Strickland will challenge Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title in the main event at Qudos Bank Arena on February 9.
