Analyst favors Prates over Maddalena despite Australian's pressure style

An analysis piece examines the upcoming welterweight clash between Jack Maddalena and Carlos Prates. The analyst notes that while Maddalena's pressure-heavy style could work against Prates, who struggles when forced backward, Maddalena lacks the kicking game and footwork that allowed Ian Garry to control distance effectively against the Brazilian. The piece emphasizes that every exchange carries knockout risk from Prates, who has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC. Even if Maddalena can win early rounds through sustained pressure and superior boxing combinations at close range, Prates remains dangerous until the final seconds, as demonstrated when he nearly finished Garry in round five after losing four rounds. The analyst ultimately picks Prates to win, doubting Maddalena can maintain perfect defensive discipline for 25 minutes against such a powerful striker.