A detailed breakdown reveals that Jack Della Maddalena relied almost 90% on boxing blocks for defense against Carlos Prates, which proved inadequate against Prates' diverse striking arsenal of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. Della Maddalena fought extensively in southpaw stance despite his leg being previously damaged by Islam Makhachev, and when he switched to orthodox, Prates attacked his left side with middle kicks. The analyst notes Della Maddalena lacked the speed and aggression needed to pressure Prates effectively, and Prates' confidence and versatility made him too dangerous. Looking ahead to a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Prates matchup, the analysis suggests Prates' low kicks could threaten Makhachev's mobility as a southpaw, though Makhachev's high-level striking and grappling would pose significant challenges. The post also suggests a Prates vs. Michael Morales fight would be compelling for fans.
A new technical breakdown of Jack Della Maddalena's recent loss to Carlos Prates concludes that the Australian welterweight's defensive habits were a primary reason for his defeat, with analysis showing he leaned on boxing blocks for roughly 90 percent of his defensive work — a approach that left him exposed to Prates' varied attack.
Della Maddalena, 29, carries an 18-4 record and sits fourth in the welterweight division. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 73-inch reach, he averages an aggressive 5.57 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the busiest offensive fighters in the 170-pound class. The breakdown notes he spent much of the fight in a southpaw stance despite carrying damage to his leg from a prior bout with Islam Makhachev. When he shifted to orthodox, Prates immediately targeted his left side with middle kicks, compounding the problem.
Carlos Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," improved to 24-7 and is now ranked fifth at welterweight. The Brazilian stands six-foot-one with a remarkable 78-inch reach and lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His willingness to mix kicks, elbows, knees, and punches gave Della Maddalena's block-heavy defense no reliable answer, and the analysis credits Prates' confidence and versatility as decisive factors.
The breakdown also looks at potential future matchups. The analyst suggests Prates' low kick game could threaten the mobility of welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, a southpaw who holds a 28-1 record. Makhachev, 34, averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and submits opponents at a rate of 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes, giving him tools well beyond the striking realm that would present Prates with a very different set of problems. A potential Prates versus Michael Morales pairing is also floated as a fan-friendly option at 170 pounds.
Why it matters
- Della Maddalena's defensive limitations against multi-weapon strikers are now a documented concern heading into any future ranked bouts
- Prates' rise from fifth place raises immediate questions about his path toward a title shot in a suddenly competitive welterweight division
- A Makhachev versus Prates matchup would pit the champion's elite grappling against a striker capable of damaging his southpaw lead leg
