The UFC 290 card has taken a hit just over one week out from the event as Sean Brady has been forced out of his welterweight matchup against rising star Jack Della Maddalena. Multiple people with knowledge of the situation confirmed the news to MMA Fighting on Friday with Brady also posting a photo of himself receiving fluids or medicine on Instagram along with the caption ‘Day 4.’ News of Brady’s withdrawal was first reported on Twitter.
In the wake of the news that Brady was out, Della Maddalena is anxiously awaiting word on a potential replacement with the Australian fighter willing to fight “anyone” from 170 to 185 pounds, per his camp in a message to MMA Fighting.
Jack Della Maddalena has sent out a open challenge to any welterweight and middleweight for UFC 290 pic.twitter.com/y51g3aPLWs
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) June 30, 2023
As of now, the UFC hasn’t secured a potential opponent for Della Maddelena, who currently sports a perfect 4-0 record in the octagon with all first-round finishes.
Della Maddalena has been touted as a future title contender but rather than wait for a ranked opponent or compete at a later date, he’s staying in Las Vegas with hopes that he’ll still get to fight on July 8.
However, a curveball may now have been thrown by Kevin Holland. ‘The Trailblazer’ took to his Instagram story, and after apparently checking his weight, he had the following to say:
“July 10th, I’m gonna check my weight, I think I can make it, 170, no problem, hell, matter of fact…Chiesa fight? Let me fight both of these guys at 175. 175 July 10th? Scrap that one, then the next one? July 29th, 175, two fights, You know who the real BMF is round this mother*cker.”
Holland’s suggestion was later confirmed by Instagram account @CombaTalk.
Whether the UFC now runs with Kevin Holland’s suggestion is anyone’s guess, although it probably depends on the state athletic commissions the promotion works with.
Kevin Holland offers a 175 lb catchweight fight with Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 290 WHILE keeping his fight with Michael Chiesa at UFC 291
BMF energy
pic.twitter.com/m6V11Wtsup
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 30, 2023
The unexpected turn of events has left both fans and UFC officials scrambling to find a suitable replacement fighter for Della Maddalena, ensuring that the event maintains its level of excitement and delivers a compelling matchup for the eager audience.
Given the short notice and the specific weight range mentioned by Della Maddalena’s camp, it remains to be seen whether a suitable replacement can be secured in time, and the search is undoubtedly intensifying behind the scenes as the clock ticks down.
However, with the ever-evolving nature of the fight business and the UFC’s extensive network of fighters, there is still a glimmer of hope that a suitable replacement will step up to the plate and provide Della Maddalena with the opportunity to showcase his skills on July 8th.
Meanwhile, Kevin Holland’s audacious offer to fight both Della Maddalena and Michael Chiesa at a catchweight of 175 pounds has added an intriguing twist to the situation. While the final decision will likely depend on the state athletic commissions, Holland’s confidence and willingness to step up demonstrate his status as one of the gutsiest fighters on the UFC roster.
As the UFC’s matchmaking team works diligently to salvage the card and secure a replacement opponent for Della Maddalena, fans and fighters alike eagerly await the resolution of this unexpected turn of events. The hope is that the event will still deliver the thrilling matchups anticipated by fans, with Kevin Holland’s audacious proposal adding an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the situation.
