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West Australian Jack Della Maddalena will fight on Dana White's Contender Series in Las Vegas hoping to land a lucrative UFC contract.
Jack Della Maddalena was planning to treat himself to a big steak to celebrate a 10-fight win streak but he may be able to aim a little higher if he lands a lucrative UFC contract.
The 25-year-old welterweight is in Las Vegas to fight Swiss Ange Loosa on Wednesday (AEST) - hoping to follow the path of fellow Australian Jimmy Crute, who earned his UFC ticket through Dana White's Contender Series.
Della Maddalena has come a long way since the start of his professional fights - which began with two losses, resulting in a pact with his coach Ben Vickers to win the next 10 straight.
With a 9-2 record that includes all wins by stoppage and four first-round finishes, he's achingly close.
"It's awesome to achieve the goal and to also have a contract, so it's cool the way it's come around," the Perth commerce student told AAP.
"We'll definitely celebrate after the win in Las Vegas and then get back to the drawing board."
UFC president White hand picks who gets a UFC contract from the 12 fighters on the six-bout card - although winning certainly helps.
He's handed out five contracts in the first two weeks of this year's series, with six bouts on this card.
Della Maddalena, who hasn't lost since 2016, believes he has the sharp hands and bold style to catch White's eye.
"I feel like I'm pretty precise and patient but I'm definitely always looking for the finish and I think that's what these big organisations want," he said.
"I'm always going for the finish so I think the set-up works well for my style."
He also feels he's a good match for Loosa, although both haven't had a fight for about a year due to the impact of COVID-19 on the MMA scene.
"We have a decent understanding of his style and have seen some of his fights and his strengths and weaknesses and the speed we're dealing with," Della Maddalena said.
"I'm 100 per cent confident that I'm the better fighter and I will get the win."
While Las Vegas is the perfect place to celebrate, he said he won't be going too crazy.
"We need to be feeling good because I think there's only one flight out to Australia for the next couple of months so we can't be mucking around too much, but we'll definitely celebrate," he said.
