Jack Della Maddalena has promised he will bring the UFC welterweight belt back to Australia as tensions continue to rise ahead of his blockbuster fight against Islam Makhachev.

Della Maddalena (18-2) and Makhachev (27-1) were involved in a long and intense face off before they were forced to be separated as they prepare to main event UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday morning.

For the West Australian, it is his first title defence since he dethroned Belal Muhammad in May and is the biggest challenge in MMA right now, with Makhachev on a 15-fight win streak and vacating his lightweight championship to move up a weight division.

Della Maddalena showed no signs of nerves at the press conference in front of a vocal crowd as he looks to add a second loss to the Dagestani’s record.

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