A detailed tactical breakdown of the Maddalena vs. Prates fight centers on whether there will be a direct clash in the octagon center and, if not, who will move backward. Prates has dropped 11 opponents in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats except briefly against Neil Magny, needing forward movement to land his left straight. Maddalena is similarly built on forward pressure and has never been seen retreating except in brief moments. If they clash in the center, the odds do not favor Maddalena, who absorbed over 50 clean head strikes from Belal Muhammad while Prates needs only one. Maddalena's advantage lies in short-range combination boxing and counter-striking, as Prates struggles at close range and cannot counter effectively with short punches when pressured, as seen against Trevin Giles and Garry. Maddalena has the boxing skills to force Prates backward and pressure him against the fence, but must take risks and maintain aggression. Ian Garry succeeded against Prates by reading the left straight on millimeters and using size, speed, leg kicks, and safe distance control, while Maddalena will rely primarily on boxing. The prediction leans toward Maddalena forcing Prates backward, overwhelming him with strikes, and winning by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.
