Tactical breakdown: Who moves backward in Maddalena vs Prates?

A detailed fight analysis explores the central question in the Maddalena versus Prates matchup: which fighter will be forced to retreat. Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and rarely backs up except briefly against Neil Magny. Maddalena similarly builds his entire game on forward pressure and has never been seen retreating significantly. The piece notes Maddalena absorbed over 50 clean straight punches against Belal, while Prates needs only one to finish fights, as demonstrated when he knocked out Trevin Giles despite losing the first round. Maddalena's advantages include short-range combination boxing and counter-striking, areas where Prates struggles. The analysis suggests Ian Garry succeeded by feeling Prates' left straight on millimeter precision, likely from extensive sparring with southpaws. While Garry used diverse tactics including leg kicks, Maddalena will likely rely solely on boxing, though he hits harder and can damage Prates as Giles did. The author tentatively picks Maddalena to force Prates backward and win by decision or late stoppage.