Breakdown analyzes whether Maddalena or Prates will fight moving forward or backward

A detailed tactical analysis examines the key question in the Maddalena vs Prates fight: whether there will be a head-to-head collision in the center of the octagon, and if not, who will fight moving backward. Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats except for brief moments against Neil Magny. Maddalena's style is also built entirely on forward movement. The analysis suggests if they clash in the center, the odds favor Prates because Maddalena absorbed over 50 clean straight punches against Belal Muhammad, while Prates only needs one clean shot. However, Maddalena has advantages in short combination boxing and counter-striking, areas where Prates struggles. Ian Garry's success came from his ability to feel and avoid Prates' left straight on millimeters, his size, speed, front hand, volume of leg kicks, and distance control. The analysis predicts Maddalena will force Prates backward, overwhelm him with strikes, and cause damage, potentially winning by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.