UFC 305: Serious arm infection rules Aussie star Jack Della Maddalena out of blockbuster card

Mitchell Woodcock
The Nightly
Jack Della Maddalena won’t fight in Perth.
Jack Della Maddalena won’t fight in Perth. Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Jack Della Maddalena has revealed the heart-breaking news he will miss UFC 305 in Perth later this year because of a serious infection in his surgically repaired arm.

Della Maddelena, 27, broke his arm left arm early in his incredible third-round knockout win over former welterweight title contender Gilbert Burns at UFC 299 in March.

He had surgery and hoped to return for the August event at RAC Arena, but in a post on social media ruled himself out after developing a further infection which required surgery on Tuesday to remove tissue and infected bone.

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“Had surgery on my arm one week after 299, 10 days later my wound had began splitting, which was indicative of infection,” Della Maddalena posted on Instagram.

“Went in for surgery two as believed to be infection present, bone cleaned, plate replaced, stayed in hospital for nine days on IV antibiotics then moved to oral antibiotics.

“Thought the infection was under control, the wound itself had a couple of abscesses pop up over a five week period which had been cut and drained which had bacteria present.

“Had a further surgery yesterday to remove infected tissue and unfortunately some infected bone. I am going to have a further surgery or two to remove further infected tissue over the next week.

“Unfortunately, this means I won’t be competing at UFC 305 in Perth. Which is a tough pill to swallow. At the moment I am focused on recovery, ridding my body of infection and allowing the bone to mend. planning to get my arm back to 100 per cent which if all goes well will be in 12 weeks time.

Jack Della Maddalena on instagram showing pictures of his arm surgery progress.
Jack Della Maddalena on instagram showing pictures of his arm surgery progress. Credit: Jack Della Maddalena/Instagram

“I am still motivated to compete before the years end in the fight I believe is the toughest and makes the most sense.”

Della Maddalena had called out undefeated Ukrainian Shavkat Makhmonov (18-0) as he looked to increase his ranking from No.5 and challenge Leon Edwards for the title.

Only one fight for UFC 305 has been confirmed with Queenslander Tom “Big Train” Nolan (7-1) to fight American Alex “The Executioner” Reyes (13-4)

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