Madalena vs. Prates tactical breakdown focuses on who retreats first

A detailed tactical analysis of the Jack Madalena vs. Carlos Prates fight examines the central question of whether there will be a head-to-head clash in the center of the cage, and if not, who will move backward. Prates has knocked down opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and almost never retreats, needing forward movement to land his devastating left straight. Madalena's entire game is also built on moving forward, and he has rarely been seen backing up. The analysis suggests that if they clash in the center, Madalena is at a disadvantage because he absorbed over 50 clean straight punches against Belal Muhammad, while Prates only needs one to finish fights. However, Madalena has advantages in short-range combination boxing and counter-striking, which could allow him to push Prates back and control him against the cage. The piece examines why Ian Garry was successful against Prates, noting Garry's ability to read the left straight perfectly and his overall versatility. The author predicts Madalena will force Prates backward and win by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4, though acknowledges this is based more on personal preference than strict calculation.