Aussie's brutal move in crushing UFC victory

Australia's Jack Della Maddalena has moved one step closer to UFC championship contention, knocking out Gilbert Burns on Sunday afternoon (AEDT).

The 27-year-old is regarded as one of the fastest-rising stars in the company, tearing through the welterweight division and inching towards top-five status.

Della Maddalena was in an even clash with Burns - a former challenger for the belt - but landed a brutal knee strike late in the third round, before finishing the Brazilian veteran off with some elbows on the mat.

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It marks the 17th-straight win for the Perth product, who remains unbeaten inside the UFC octagon since signing with the promotion just over two years ago.

"It feels good - my plan was to come here, grab the cash and dash," he said post-fight.

"I knew it hurt him, he stayed in there a long time. He's the man.

"There are some scary people in this division, but I'm the f-----g scariest."

Della Maddalena also called out undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov for a title eliminator bout this year as both men push for a shot at the crown.

Alexander Volkanovski was among those to praise the Aussie star following another stellar triumph inside the cage.

Burns was ranked fourth at 170lb prior to the bout, while Della Maddalena was sitting in 11th spot - but all of that looks set to change after the event in Miami.

Sunday's main event bout will see the popular Sean O'Malley defend his bantamweight title against Marlon 'Chito' Vera.