Maddalena vs Prates hinges on who controls center and dictates pace

This detailed fight analysis examines the key question in the Maddalena vs Prates matchup: whether there will be a head-to-head clash in the center, and if not, who will move backward. The post notes Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats, while Maddalena similarly builds his game on forward pressure. The analysis highlights Maddalena's vulnerability to clean straight punches (over 50 landed by Belal Muhammad) while Prates only needs one to finish fights. However, Maddalena's advantage lies in short-range combination boxing and counter-striking, areas where Prates struggles. The breakdown references Ian Garry's success through size, speed, leg kicks, and exceptional ability to read Prates's left straight on millimeter margins. The author ultimately picks Maddalena to force Prates backward, overwhelm him with strikes, and potentially get a decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.