Jack Della Maddalena has acknowledged the significant challenge posed by Carlos Prates ahead of their UFC 305 welterweight bout. The Australian fighter described Prates as a phenomenal and very dangerous competitor who is compelling to watch. Della Maddalena noted that Prates looks particularly impressive when he gets into his flow and rhythm. The hometown fighter emphasized the need to remain completely focused and not lose concentration during the fight. Despite recognizing Prates' strengths, Della Maddalena expressed confidence that his own skill set will be sufficient to handle the Brazilian's dangerous attributes.
Jack Della Maddalena has spoken openly about the threat Carlos Prates presents ahead of their welterweight matchup at UFC 305, praising the Brazilian as a phenomenal and very dangerous fighter while insisting his own skill set is more than capable of dealing with those dangers.
Della Maddalena, 29, enters the bout as the No. 4-ranked welterweight and sits at No. 13 in the pound-for-pound standings. The Perth-based fighter carries an 18-4 record and trains out of Scrappy MMA. Fighting out of a switch stance, he lands 5.57 significant strikes per minute at a 51 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the division's more prolific volume strikers. He competes in front of a home crowd, adding another layer of motivation to an already high-stakes contest.
Prates, nicknamed The Nightmare, holds a 24-7 record and is ranked fifth at 170 pounds. The 32-year-old Brazilian, who also switches stances, stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach — giving him a five-inch reach advantage over Della Maddalena. He posts a striking accuracy of 55 percent and lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute, favouring precision over pure volume. Prates does not attempt submissions, making him a purely stand-up threat.
Della Maddalena acknowledged that Prates looks particularly dangerous when he finds his flow and rhythm, and stressed the importance of maintaining complete focus throughout the fight without any lapses in concentration.
Why it matters
- Both men are switch-stance strikers ranked inside the top five at welterweight, making divisional positioning a clear prize for the winner.
- Della Maddalena's volume striking versus Prates' reach and accuracy creates a compelling style contrast.
- A win for either fighter would strengthen a title claim in a welterweight division currently in flux.
