Tactical breakdown questions who moves backward in Madalena vs Prates

A detailed tactical analysis of the Madalena versus Prates fight examines the central question of whether either fighter will move backward, as both are built around forward pressure. Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats except briefly against Neil Magny. Madalena similarly has almost never been seen moving backward. The analysis warns that if they clash in the center, Madalena faces danger as he absorbed over 50 clean head strikes from Belal Muhammad, while Prates needs only one clean shot. Madalena's advantage lies in short-range combination boxing and counterstriking, areas where Prates is weaker. Ian Garry succeeded by feeling Prates' left straight on a millimeter level and avoiding it, likely due to extensive sparring with southpaws. Unlike Garry's diverse attack including volume leg kicks, Madalena will rely primarily on boxing. The breakdown suggests Madalena can force Prates backward and overwhelm him with strikes, potentially securing a decision or TKO in rounds 3-4, though acknowledging the fight remains a puzzle that could produce an instant classic.