Kamaru Usman got "lucky" in some fights during title reign, says UFC welterweight Jack Della Maddalena (Exclusive)

Jack Della Maddalena recently claimed that good fortune played a part in Kamaru Usman's long reign as the UFC's welterweight champion. Kamaru Usman has the longest winning streak in UFC welterweight history, and with only one loss, the former divisional champion is among the most dominant fighters in the promotion.

'The Nigerian Nightmare' won the welterweight strap against Tyron Woodley in 2019 and successfully defended his title five times before coming up short against Leon Edwards at UFC 278 last year. While Usman seemed to be cruising his way to his sixth title defense, 'Rocky' shocked the world with his thunderous head-kick knockout win in the final minute of the contest.

Jack Della Maddalena recently weighed in on Edwards ending Usman's long-running reign. In an exclusive interview with Andrew Whitelaw of Sportskeeda MMA, the Australian claimed:

"I think Usman was very lucky in some of his fights. He's obviously very good. He's got a very nice wrestling style but I'd like to see someone with a bit of striking prowess as number-one, so it's cool to see Leon up there."

Watch the full interview below:

Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards are set to face off for the third time at UFC 286 in London. The pair are currently 1-1 against each other, as Usman previously defeated Edwards in 2017. Bragging rights and the UFC welterweight title will be on the line come March 18.

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Jack Della Maddalena wants to fight the loser of Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal

In the same interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Jack Della Maddalena also discussed the scheduled barnburner between Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April. The 26-year-old expressed his desire to face the loser in that bout if the opportunity presented itself.

The welterweight contest will mark the return of 'Gamebred' after more than a year of inactivity against 'Durinho', who is fresh off a dominant win over Neil Magny at UFC 283. With the winner of that fight potentially getting the next title shot, Della Maddalena shared his thoughts on the matchup:

"I think that's a great matchup. I reckon Gilbert Burns looked good after his last fight. Masvidal's obviously a legend. Love to fight the loser maybe, obviously can't fight the winner. I'll fight the loser of that fight, if that is possible."

Meanwhile, Jack Della Maddalena is booked to face Randy Brown in his hometown of Perth at UFC 284. The two welterweights will go head-to-head at the RAC Arena next week. Della Maddalena will be looking to extend his 13-fight win streak.