A detailed breakdown examines the critical tactical question of who will move backward in the Madalena versus Prates fight. Prates has dropped 11 opponents in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats except briefly against Neil Magny, needing forward movement to land his left straight effectively. Madalena similarly builds his game on forward pressure and has rarely been seen backing up. The analyst notes that if they clash in the center, Madalena is at risk given he absorbed over 50 clean head punches from Belal Muhammad while Prates only needs one shot. The piece highlights that Prates struggles at mid-to-close boxing range when opponents pressure him with combinations, which could be Madalena's advantage if he can force Prates to the fence. The analyst ultimately picks Madalena to force Prates backward and win by decision or late TKO in rounds 3-4.
