Analysis: Who backs up first could decide Maddalena vs Prates

A tactical breakdown examines whether Jack Della Maddalena or Carlos Prates will be forced to fight moving backward, as both fighters are built to move forward. Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while advancing and rarely retreats except for brief moments against Neil Magny. Maddalena similarly has never been seen fighting while backing up except in minor instances. The analysis notes that if they clash in the center, Maddalena is at risk given he absorbed over 50 clean straight punches from Belal Muhammad, while Prates only needs one clean shot. However, Maddalena's short-range combination boxing could be an advantage, as Prates struggles at close range and doesn't counter well with short punches. The analyst predicts Maddalena will force Prates backward and win by decision or TKO in rounds three or four.