Detailed analysis reveals Prates dominated Della Maddalena with kicks and versatility

A detailed re-watch analysis of the Prates vs Della Maddalena fight reveals several key factors in Prates's victory. Della Maddalena relied approximately 90% on a boxing guard for defense, which proved ineffective against Prates's tornado of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches, and he could not counter-punch explosively from the block like Petr Yan does. Surprisingly, Della Maddalena fought mostly in a southpaw stance despite having his left leg damaged by Makhachev previously, and when he switched to orthodox, Prates battered his left side with middle kicks until it was visibly red. Della Maddalena's chance was to be the aggressive aggressor and pin Prates against the cage, but he lacked the speed and was too cautious, especially after taking a knee. The analysis suggests Prates would have demolished Della Maddalena regardless of preparation due to his belief, versatility, and ability to strike powerfully from all angles. Regarding a potential Makhachev vs Prates fight, the post notes that Prates destroyed the lead legs of southpaws Edwards and Della Maddalena with low kicks, potentially knocking out with 10-15 kicks, but questions whether Prates would remain the same after being pressured in half-guard for a round by the high-level striker and grappler Makhachev.