The central question in the Maddalena versus Prates fight is whether there will be a head-on collision in the center or if one fighter will be forced backwards. Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats except briefly against Neil Magny. Maddalena similarly builds his game on forward pressure and has almost never been seen retreating. If they clash in the center, the analysis suggests Maddalena is at a disadvantage because he absorbed over 50 clean straight punches against Belal Muhammad and Prates only needs one clean shot. Maddalena's advantages include his short-range combination boxing and counter-striking, which could force Prates to back up and struggle on the inside. The post notes Ian Garry's success came from feeling the left straight on millimeters and having size, speed, power, and kicks to control distance safely. Maddalena will likely rely solely on boxing, though he hits harder than Garry and could damage Prates. The author leans toward Maddalena by decision or TKO in rounds three to four, believing he will force Prates backwards and overwhelm him with volume.
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