Analysis: Who moves backward determines outcome of Maddalena vs Prates

A detailed tactical breakdown of the Maddalena vs Prates fight focuses on the central question of who will move backward, as both fighters build their styles on forward pressure. Prates has knocked down opponents 11 times in UFC moving forward and rarely retreats except briefly against Neil Magny. Maddalena similarly almost never moves backward. The analysis suggests if they clash in the center, Maddalena is at risk because he absorbed over 50 clean head strikes from Belal Muhammad, while Prates only needs one. Maddalena's advantage lies in short combination boxing and counter-striking on the inside, where Prates is less skilled. The piece examines why Ian Garry succeeded against Prates, crediting Garry's ability to read the left straight on millimeters, likely from extensive sparring with southpaws. However, Maddalena lacks Garry's kicking arsenal and relies primarily on boxing. Despite the puzzle, the author picks Maddalena to force Prates backward and overwhelm him with volume, possibly winning by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.