A detailed tactical analysis examines the central strategic question in the Maddalena versus Prates bout: whether there will be a direct clash in the center of the octagon, and if not, who will move backward. The analysis notes that Prates has dropped opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats except briefly against Neil Magny. Maddalena similarly builds his game on forward pressure and has rarely been seen moving backward. The piece suggests that if they clash in the center, Maddalena faces danger because he absorbed over 50 clean head strikes from Belal Muhammad, while Prates needs only one. Maddalena's advantages include short combination boxing and counter-striking ability, areas where Prates struggles on the inside. The analysis references Ian Garry's success in managing distance against Prates through superior footwork and kick game, tools Maddalena lacks. The writer ultimately picks Maddalena to win by forcing Prates backward and overwhelming him with volume, potentially stopping him in rounds three or four.
