Maddalena vs Prates: Who retreats first will decide outcome

An in-depth analysis examines the central question of the Maddalena-Prates fight: whether there will be a head-to-head clash in the center, and if not, who will move backward. Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats except against Neil Magny. Maddalena similarly has never been seen backing up significantly. The analyst notes Maddalena's vulnerability, having absorbed over 50 clean straight punches against Belal Muhammad, while Prates needs only one to finish fights. Maddalena's advantage lies in short combination boxing and counter-striking at close range, where Prates struggles. The piece compares Prates's difficulties against Ian Garry, who succeeded through size, speed, powerful kicks, and exceptional ability to read the left straight. The analyst picks Maddalena to force Prates backward and win by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.