Analyst previews Della Maddalena vs Prates: Key question is who retreats first

A detailed breakdown examines the upcoming Jack Della Maddalena vs Carlos Prates fight, focusing on the central tactical question of whether either fighter will move backward. Both are known for aggressive forward pressure, with Prates having dropped 11 opponents in the UFC while moving forward and Della Maddalena similarly built around advancing. The analysis notes Prates' dangerous left straight and that Della Maddalena absorbed over 50 clean straight punches against Belal Muhammad, suggesting vulnerability. However, Della Maddalena's advantage lies in short-range combination boxing and counter-striking, areas where Prates has shown weakness. The analyst references Ian Garry's success against Prates through distance management and predicts Della Maddalena will force Prates backward, overwhelming him with volume striking for a finish in rounds 3-4. The piece calls it a "puzzle fight" that could become an instant UFC classic.