An in-depth tactical analysis of the Maddalena versus Prates matchup focusing on the central question of who will move backward. Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats except against Neil. Maddalena similarly is built on forward pressure and has never been seen moving backward. The analyst notes Maddalena absorbed over 50 clean straight punches against Belal Muhammad, while Prates only needs one clean shot. However, Maddalena has advantages in short-range combination boxing and counter-punching, areas where Prates struggles. The piece references how Ian Garry successfully controlled distance and always evaded Prates' left straight, suggesting specialized experience against southpaws. The analyst ultimately picks Maddalena, predicting he will force Prates backward and wear him down with volume striking, possibly finishing in rounds 3-4.
