A detailed tactical preview explores the key question in the Maddalena vs Prates welterweight bout: who will be forced to move backward. Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and relies on his powerful straight left, needing to advance to create space. Maddalena similarly builds his game on forward pressure and has rarely been seen retreating. The analysis suggests Maddalena's boxing defense style of blocking and slipping rather than footwork could be dangerous against Prates' power, citing how Trevin Giles dominated for 1.5 rounds before being knocked out cold. However, Maddalena holds advantages in short-range combination boxing and counterstriking, areas where Prates struggles when pressured to the cage. The breakdown references Ian Garry's success against Prates through precise distance management and reading the left hand, though noting Garry's physical advantages and versatility. The prediction favors Maddalena to force Prates backward, damage him with volume striking across multiple levels, and secure a stoppage or decision in rounds 3-4.
