Jack Della Maddalena spoke about the challenges he expects to face this weekend against Carlos Prates. The Australian described Prates as an outstanding and very dangerous fighter who is compelling to watch. Della Maddalena emphasized the need to stay fully focused and not lose concentration during the fight, noting that Prates looks especially good when he gets into his flow. Despite recognizing his opponent's strengths, Della Maddalena expressed confidence that his skill set will be sufficient to handle Prates' strong points.
Jack Della Maddalena has spoken openly about the threat posed by Carlos Prates ahead of their welterweight clash this weekend, describing the Brazilian as an outstanding and very dangerous fighter who is compelling to watch.
Della Maddalena, ranked fourth in the welterweight division and 13th on the pound-for-pound list, carries a record of 18 wins and 4 losses into the bout. The 29-year-old Australian out of Scrappy MMA is one of the more prolific strikers in the division, landing 5.57 significant strikes per minute at a 51 percent accuracy rate. He fights out of a switch stance and stands five-foot-eleven with a 73-inch reach.
Prates, nicknamed The Nightmare, enters ranked fifth at welterweight with a record of 24-7-0. The 32-year-old Brazilian trains out of Vale Top Team and presents a notable physical edge, standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and a 198-centimeter wingspan. He connects on 55 percent of his significant strikes, edging out Della Maddalena in accuracy, and also fights from a switch stance.
Della Maddalena acknowledged that Prates looks especially dangerous when he finds his rhythm, and stressed that maintaining concentration throughout the fight will be essential. At the same time, the Australian expressed confidence that his own skill set gives him the tools to manage what Prates brings.
Why it matters
- Both fighters rank in the welterweight top five, making this a direct divisional ladder clash
- A win for either man strengthens a case for a higher-ranked opponent or title contention
- The switch-stance matchup between two aggressive strikers sets up a compelling style collision, with Prates holding a five-inch reach advantage over Della Maddalena
