Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena face off; Prates's size questioned

Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena had their first staredown ahead of their upcoming welterweight bout, with observers noting Prates's substantial physical size. Questions were raised about how Prates manages to make the 77 kg (170 lb) welterweight limit given his large frame and reported lack of strict dietary discipline outside of fight camps. The size difference between the two fighters was visually apparent during the face-off. Sean Strickland commented on Francis Ngannou asking why he carries a weapon, responding that Ngannou would find the reason in the mirror. Additionally, Arman Tsarukyan revealed the UFC recently sent him an unexpected $42,000 bonus, possibly related to his social media activity, though the exact reason was not specified by the organization.