A comprehensive fight analysis reveals that Carlos Prates dominated Jack Della Maddalena through superior striking technique and versatility. Approximately 90% of Della Maddalena's defensive actions relied on a boxing block, which proved inadequate against Prates' diverse arsenal of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. Della Maddalena surprisingly fought primarily in southpaw stance despite his left leg being damaged in his fight against Makhachev, and when he switched to orthodox, Prates punished his left side with middle kicks. The analysis notes that Prates has previously destroyed the lead legs of southpaws Leon Edwards and Della Maddalena in the first round, even scoring a knockout via low kick against Della Maddalena. Regarding a potential Islam Makhachev fight, the breakdown suggests intrigue exists as Prates could damage Makhachev's leg, but questions remain about whether Prates could maintain his effectiveness after being controlled in top position. The post also suggests UFC might consider booking Prates versus Michael Morales to determine a clear number one contender.
A detailed fight analysis published this week breaks down how Carlos Prates systematically outclassed Jack Della Maddalena, exposing critical defensive limitations in the Australian welterweight's game and raising questions about the division's contender picture.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," carries a 24-7 record and sits ranked fifth at welterweight. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach — a significant physical advantage that compounds his technical edge. He lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy and fights out of a switch stance, giving him access to weapons from multiple angles.
The analysis found that roughly 90 percent of Della Maddalena's defensive actions involved a standard boxing block, a habit Prates exploited relentlessly with kicks, elbows, and knees that bypassed the guard entirely. Della Maddalena, 29, holds an 18-4 record and is ranked fourth in the welterweight division with a p4p ranking of 13. He normally fights as a switch-hitter and lands an impressive 5.57 significant strikes per minute, yet his defensive versatility did not match his offensive output on this occasion. The breakdown notes he fought predominantly in southpaw stance despite carrying damage to his left leg from a prior bout with Islam Makhachev, and when he shifted to orthodox, Prates attacked the compromised limb with middle kicks. The analysis also points out that Prates has targeted the lead legs of southpaw opponents before, including Leon Edwards, and finished Della Maddalena with a low kick knockout.
Why it matters
- Prates' ability to systematically dismantle a top-five welterweight strengthens his case as a legitimate title contender
- The analysis raises questions about whether Prates could threaten welterweight champion Islam Makhachev with leg damage, while grappling control remains a concern
- A potential booking against Michael Morales has been floated as a way to establish a clear number-one contender in a loaded division
- Della Maddalena's defensive reliance on a boxing block appears to be an exploitable pattern that future opponents at 170 pounds will study closely
