Jack Della Maddalena has outlined his strategy for his upcoming bout with Carlos Prates, stating he plans to take the Brazilian into the later rounds. The Australian expects the fight to go the full distance rather than ending early. Della Maddalena's comments suggest he intends to test Prates' cardio and durability over five rounds. This approach contrasts with the knockout power both fighters are known for. The post asks fans whether they believe the fight will reach a decision or end before the third round.
Jack Della Maddalena has revealed his tactical blueprint ahead of his welterweight clash with Carlos Prates, making clear he intends to drag the Brazilian into the championship rounds rather than chase an early finish.
The 29-year-old Australian, ranked fourth in the welterweight division and 13th pound-for-pound, carries an 18-4 record and trains out of Scrappy MMA. Fighting out of a switch stance, Della Maddalena is one of the more prolific strikers in the 170-pound class, landing 5.57 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy. Despite his reputation as a finisher, his comments suggest he sees a longer fight as the path to victory here.
Standing across from him will be Carlos Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," a 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team who sits one spot behind Della Maddalena at fifth in the welterweight rankings. Prates holds a 24-7 record and brings considerable size to the matchup, measuring six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach — a three-inch reach advantage over Della Maddalena. He lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy clip, making him a precise if slightly less volume-oriented striker than his opponent. Both men operate out of a switch stance, setting up a technically complex striking exchange.
Why it matters
- Della Maddalena's stated plan to test Prates' cardio flips the script on a fight many expect to end early given both men's finishing ability.
- A victory for either fighter in the top five of the welterweight rankings carries serious implications for title contention at 170 pounds.
- The size and reach edge belonging to Prates adds an intriguing layer to Della Maddalena's decision to embrace a five-round war rather than seek a quick resolution.
- Both fighters using a switch stance means neither will enjoy a natural stance advantage, placing greater emphasis on timing, ring generalship, and late-round conditioning.
