Detailed breakdown: Prates' striking overwhelmed Della Maddalena's defense

A detailed fight analysis reveals why Carlos Prates dominated Jack Della Maddalena. Approximately 90% of Della Maddalena's defensive actions relied on a boxing guard, which proved inadequate against Prates' tornado of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. Della Maddalena surprisingly fought extensively in southpaw stance despite having his left leg damaged by Islam Makhachev previously, and when he switched to orthodox, Prates punished his left side with middle kicks. Della Maddalena lacked the speed and aggression needed to pressure Prates effectively, while Prates demonstrated exceptional versatility and confidence, using his reach advantage when Della Maddalena tried to close distance. The analysis notes that Prates, fighting as a southpaw, could pose a significant threat to Islam Makhachev with his leg kicks and striking precision, though Makhachev's high-level striking, takedown setups, and ground pressure could still prove decisive. The post suggests a potential eliminator bout between Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov to determine a clear number-one contender.