Maddalena vs Prates analysis: who will move backward determines outcome

A detailed breakdown of the Jack Della Maddalena versus Carlos Prates fight suggests the key question is whether either fighter will move backward, as both are accustomed to moving forward. Prates has knocked down 11 opponents in the UFC while advancing and rarely retreats. Maddalena is similarly built around forward movement. If they clash in the center, Maddalena is at risk because he absorbed over 50 clean punches from Belal Muhammad, and Prates only needs one to finish fights. Maddalena's advantage lies in his short-range combination boxing and counterstriking, which could force Prates backward and create opportunities on the inside. The analyst references Ian Garry's success against Prates, noting Garry's ability to read and evade the left straight on a razor's edge, his size, speed, and volume kicking game. Maddalena will likely rely more on boxing and hits harder than Garry, which could damage Prates. The prediction leans toward Maddalena forcing Prates backward and winning by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.