Tactical analysis: Who retreats first in Maddalena vs Prates matchup?

The key question heading into the Maddalena vs Prates fight is whether there will be a direct collision in the center of the octagon, and if not, who will move backward first. Prates has knocked down opponents 11 times in the UFC while moving forward and rarely retreats except for brief moments against Neil Magny. Maddalena similarly builds his game on forward pressure and has rarely been seen retreating. Against Belal Muhammad, Maddalena absorbed over 50 clean straight punches to the head, while Prates only needs one clean shot to finish fights, as demonstrated when he knocked out Trevin Giles despite being outboxed for a round and a half. Maddalena's advantages include short combination boxing and counter-striking, areas where Prates struggles at mid-to-close range. Ian Garry found success against Prates by reading his left straight exceptionally well and maintaining distance control with superior size, speed, and volume. The analyst predicts Maddalena will force Prates backward and win by decision or TKO in rounds 3-4.