Maddalena vs Prates hinges on who controls center and dictates pace

The key question in the Maddalena vs Prates fight is whether there will be a clash in the center of the octagon, and if not, who will move backward. Prates has knocked down opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and has rarely moved backward except briefly against Neil Magny. Maddalena similarly builds his game on forward movement and has never been seen retreating except in brief moments. If they clash in the center, the odds don't favor Maddalena, who absorbed over 50 clean punches to the head against Belal Muhammad, while Prates only needs one clean shot. Maddalena has an advantage in short-range combination boxing and counter-striking, areas where Prates struggles. Ian Garry succeeded against Prates by feeling the left straight on millimeters and avoiding it, likely due to extensive sparring with southpaws. Garry's size, speed, strong jab, leg kicks, and safe distance control gave him tools Maddalena lacks. The analysis leans toward Maddalena forcing Prates backward, overwhelming him with strikes, and winning by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.