Breakdown: Key question is who retreats in Maddalena vs Prates

A detailed tactical analysis examines the central question in the Maddalena versus Prates matchup: will there be a head-to-head clash in the center, and if not, who will move backward? The piece notes that Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats, needing to advance to land his left straight. Maddalena's entire game is also built on forward movement, raising the question of whether either will retreat. If they clash in the center, the analyst believes Maddalena is at a disadvantage, having absorbed over 50 clean straight punches to the head against Belal Muhammad, while Prates only needs one clean shot. Maddalena's advantage lies in his short combination boxing and counter-striking, as Prates struggles in close-range exchanges. The analysis references how Ian Garry successfully worked against Prates by feeling the left straight on a millimeter level and suggests Garry's experience with southpaws was key. The prediction leans toward Maddalena forcing Prates backward and causing damage through volume, potentially winning by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.