Jack Della Maddalena has revealed his strategy for his upcoming fight against Carlos Prates, stating he plans to drag Prates into the deep waters of the fight. Della Maddalena expressed confidence that the bout will go the full distance. He appears focused on testing Prates' cardio and durability over five rounds rather than seeking an early finish. The Australian's gameplan suggests he believes Prates may struggle in longer fights. This approach contrasts with expectations of an explosive early exchange between the two powerful strikers.
Jack Della Maddalena has laid out a clear tactical blueprint ahead of his welterweight clash with Carlos Prates, revealing he intends to drag the Brazilian into the championship rounds and put his endurance to the test.
The 29-year-old Australian, who trains out of Scrappy MMA, enters the fight ranked fourth in the welterweight division and thirteenth in the pound-for-pound standings. Carrying an 18-4 record, Della Maddalena has built a reputation as one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 5.57 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy. His comments suggest he is willing to absorb the early phases of the fight and rely on attrition to gain the upper hand, a notable departure from the explosive early-finish style many have come to expect from him.
Prates, ranked fifth at welterweight, brings a 24-7 record into the bout. The Brazilian, known as "The Nightmare," is 32 years old and stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach — a significant physical frame that gives him range advantages in the pocket. He lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, suggesting he prioritizes cleaner, more selective output. Della Maddalena's plan appears designed to exploit any questions around Prates' output over five full rounds.
Why it matters
- Both men are ranked in the top five at welterweight, meaning the winner has a strong case for a title shot.
- Della Maddalena's stated plan to go the distance challenges the assumption that this fight will be decided early, shifting the stylistic narrative.
- Both fighters use a switch stance, creating a mirror-match dynamic that could make ring generalship and pace-setting decisive factors.
- At 29, Della Maddalena holds a three-year age advantage that may factor into his confidence about a grueling, late-round pace.
