Breakdown: Maddalena vs Prates centers on who will control the center

This extensive fight analysis examines the central question of the Maddalena vs Prates bout: will there be a direct clash in the cage center, and if not, who will move backward? Prates has dropped 11 opponents in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats except briefly against Neil. Maddalena similarly builds his game on forward movement and has never been seen retreating except in minor moments. The analysis suggests if they meet in the center, Maddalena is at a disadvantage because he absorbed over 50 clean head strikes against Belal, and Prates only needs one. Maddalena's advantage lies in his short combination boxing and counterstriking ability, as Prates struggles at mid-to-close boxing range. The piece extensively analyzes why Ian Garry succeeded against Prates, noting Garry's exceptional ability to read and avoid the left straight from southpaws through millimeter-perfect timing and distance management. The analyst concludes by favoring Maddalena, predicting he will force Prates backward and deliver damage through volume striking, potentially winning by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.