Underdog MMA Team ‘Scrappy MMA’ aims to Disrupt Dagestani Dominance at UFC Perth
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – A small, self-taught MMA team from Perth, Australia, known as “Scrappy MMA,” is preparing for a monumental challenge: facing Islam Makhachev, a leading figure in the dominant Dagestani MMA lineage, for the UFC welterweight championship this Saturday. The team, led by coach Ben Vickers, has built its success through relentless work ethic and a belief in their fighter, Jack Della Maddalena, despite lacking the traditional credentials of many top-level MMA programs.
Just 13 years ago,the MMA landscape in Western Australia was rudimentary,according to Vickers. He recounted a chaotic early fight in Perth where a dropped opponent received a standing eight-count during an MMA bout, illustrating the sport’s nascent state at the time. “My guy dropped the other guy in the first round,and the referee split them up. I jumped in, thinking it was over, and the commission told me to get out while the referee gave the guy a standing 8-count — in an MMA fight. It eventually carried on, and my guy lost by submission in the second round. That’s where the sport was when I first arrived.”
Now, Perth is hosting a major UFC event headlined by a title fight featuring Della Maddalena, a testament to the region’s growth. While Makhachev’s Dagestani style is renowned for its grappling prowess and ability to wear opponents down on the ground, Della Maddalena’s team is focused on avoiding a grappling exchange. His coaches are confident he can win “anywhere.”
Vickers acknowledges the disparity in experience and reputation. “Based on résumés, it doesn’t seem like Scrappy MMA should be here — especially compared with the opponent.” However, he insists their position is earned. “We have worked ‘f—ing hard.’ A fight team doesn’t reach the point of defending against Makhachev and dagestani MMA without hard work, and scrappy MMA has put in a lot of it over the past 13 years.”
Vickers emphasizes that in MMA, past achievements are irrelevant once the fight begins.”Legacies don’t win fights.Black belts and trophies stashed in gyms don’t count for anything once a fight starts.” He expresses unwavering confidence in Della Maddalena,calling him a ”generational talent.”
“I believe 100 percent in what we’re doing,” Vickers stated. “We’re here as for two hours every morning and two hours every night,we’re working. We’re not here to be famous. Jack will beat Islam on Saturday, and we’ll fly home and go back to living under a rock until it’s time to take out the next one.”
