Detailed analysis reveals Prates's striking advantages over Della Maddalena

A comprehensive fight breakdown reveals that Jack Della Maddalena relied heavily on a boxing block for defense, which proved ineffective against Carlos Prates's diverse arsenal of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. Della Maddalena fought primarily in southpaw stance, despite the strategic need to work from orthodox after having his left leg damaged by Makhachev previously. Prates effectively targeted Della Maddalena's left side with mid-kicks, leaving visible damage by the second round. The analysis notes that Della Maddalena lacked the speed and aggression needed to pressure Prates effectively. Regarding a potential Makhachev versus Prates matchup, the breakdown highlights that Prates has destroyed the lead legs of southpaws like Edwards and Della Maddalena with low kicks, presenting a legitimate threat to Makhachev on the feet, though questions remain about how Prates would perform after being controlled on the ground. The post suggests UFC may need to decide between booking Prates directly against Makhachev or having him face Vicente Luque first.