Analysis: Della Maddalena's defense flaws exposed by Prates' diverse attack

A detailed fight analysis reveals Jack Della Maddalena relied almost 90% on a boxing block defense, which proved inadequate against Carlos Prates' tornado of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. The analyst notes Della Maddalena's block had holes and he absorbed many straight punches through it without the explosive counter-punching ability of fighters like Petr Yan. Surprisingly, Della Maddalena fought extensively in southpaw stance despite having his lead leg damaged by Makhachev previously, and when switching to orthodox, Prates battered his left side with mid-kicks. The analysis suggests Della Maddalena's best chance would have been aggressive pressure against the cage, but he lacked the speed and aggression needed. Prates demonstrated exceptional universality in striking, hitting powerfully from all angles with full confidence. Regarding a potential Makhachev matchup, the analyst notes Prates destroyed the lead legs of southpaws Edwards and Della Maddalena, poses knockout threats at any range, but would face challenges if taken down and controlled in half-guard by Makhachev's high-level grappling.