UFC 290 is about to feature an unexpected matchup due to Sean Brady‘s withdrawal from his scheduled fight against Jack Della Maddalena. Josiah Harrell, a relatively unknown talent from Ohio, will now have the opportunity to make a name for himself as he steps in to face the Australian star.
Harrell, nicknamed “Muscle Hamster,” is an unbeaten fighter with a record of 7-0. He trains alongside UFC veteran Matt Brown and is known for his versatility. He has previously competed in organizations such as LFA and Cage Fury FC and has experience in both the welterweight and lightweight divisions. However, his bout against Maddalena will take place at 170 pounds.
The news of Harrell’s inclusion in the fight was revealed by Matt Brown himself on social media, suggesting that the young fighter is expected to surprise people with his performance. The change in the matchup came after Sean Brady contracted a bacterial infection that developed into septic bursitis, forcing him out of the event.
Jack Della Maddalena, a Contender Series winner in 2021, has been impressive since joining the UFC with a perfect 4-0 record. All of his victories inside the octagon have come by stoppage, earning him three consecutive Performance of the Night bonuses.
UFC 290, which marks the culmination of this year’s International Fight Week, will take place on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event of the card will be a featherweight title unification bout between champion Alexander Volkanovski and interim champion Yair Rodriguez.