Tactical breakdown: Who moves backward in Della Maddalena vs Prates determines outcome

An in-depth analysis examines the central question of the Della Maddalena versus Prates fight: will there be a head-on collision 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 deliver his left straight effectively. Della Maddalena similarly builds his game on forward pressure and has rarely been seen retreating. If they clash in the center, the analysis suggests the odds favor Prates, as Della Maddalena absorbed over 50 clean straight punches against Belal Muhammad, while Prates only needs one clean shot. However, Della Maddalena's advantage lies in short-range combination boxing and counter-striking, as Prates struggles on medium-close boxing range. The breakdown credits Ian Garry's success against Prates to his exceptional ability to read the left straight from southpaws, superior size, speed, and diverse striking including leg kicks. The analysis ultimately picks Della Maddalena, predicting he will force Prates backward and win by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.