Jack Della Maddalena spoke about the upcoming challenge he faces against Carlos Prates this weekend. The Australian acknowledged that Prates is a phenomenal and very dangerous fighter who is exciting to watch. Della Maddalena noted that when Prates gets into his flow, he looks very good, and that he must remain maximally focused and cannot lose concentration during the fight. Despite recognizing Prates' strengths, Della Maddalena expressed confidence that his skills will be sufficient to deal with his opponent's strong points.
Jack Della Maddalena has spoken candidly about the threat posed by Carlos Prates ahead of their welterweight clash this weekend, crediting his Brazilian opponent as a phenomenal and genuinely dangerous fighter.
Della Maddalena, ranked fourth in the welterweight division and thirteenth in the pound-for-pound standings, carries an 18-4 record into the bout. The 29-year-old Australian, who trains out of Scrappy MMA, is one of the division's most active strikers, landing 5.57 significant strikes per minute at a 51 percent accuracy rate. He operates out of a switch stance and stands five-foot-eleven with a 73-inch reach.
Across from him stands Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," who is ranked fifth at welterweight with a 24-7 record. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team is a physically imposing matchup at six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach — a five-inch reach advantage over Della Maddalena. Prates lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate, and like Della Maddalena he also fights out of a switch stance.
Della Maddalena noted that when Prates finds his rhythm, he looks particularly dangerous and exciting, and stressed that he cannot afford a single lapse in concentration throughout the fight. Despite the respect shown to his opponent, the Australian made clear he is confident his own skill set gives him the tools to handle what Prates brings.
Why it matters
- A win for Della Maddalena could solidify his case as a top-three welterweight and strengthen a potential title shot.
- Prates moving ahead of Della Maddalena would push the Brazilian into the upper tier of a crowded 170-pound division.
- Both men are switch-stance strikers, making timing and rhythm disruption central to the tactical battle.
- Prates holds a notable reach advantage that could become a key factor in the striking exchanges both men prefer.
