Carlos Prates stated his intention to become the next contender after defeating Jack Maddalena. Prates plans to challenge the winner of the August lightweight title fight between Ian Machado Garry and Islam Makhachev. The Brazilian contender believes a victory over former interim champion Maddalena would be sufficient to earn a title shot. Prates is looking to capitalize on Maddalena's credentials as a former titleholder to position himself for championship contention. The welterweight division continues to see emerging contenders making their cases for title opportunities.
Carlos Prates has set his sights on a welterweight title shot, declaring that a win over Jack Della Maddalena would be enough to put him next in line for a championship opportunity.
The Brazilian contender is targeting the winner of the August title fight between champion Islam Makhachev and number-one ranked Ian Machado Garry. Prates believes Maddalena's standing in the division gives a victory over him the necessary weight to demand a shot at the belt.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds the welterweight title, bringing a grappling-heavy game that produces 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and an elite 58 percent striking accuracy. The Russian champion will face Garry, who is 17-1 and ranked first in the division at just 28 years old. Known as "The Future," the six-foot-three Irishman generates an impressive 4.78 significant strikes per minute and holds a 74-inch reach.
The man Prates must first get through is Della Maddalena, a 29-year-old Australian ranked fourth at welterweight and 13th pound-for-pound. Competing out of Scrappy MMA, Maddalena carries an 18-4 record and is among the division's most active strikers, averaging 5.57 significant strikes per minute. His 73-inch reach and switch stance make him a dynamic and dangerous opponent.
Why it matters
- A win over a top-five, pound-for-pound-ranked welterweight would be a credible case for title contention
- The August Makhachev vs. Garry bout will crown a champion in need of a next challenger, creating a clear opening
- Maddalena's high strike output sets up a potentially explosive style matchup that could produce a statement performance
