Detailed breakdown reveals Della Maddalena's defensive flaws against Prates

A detailed re-watch analysis identified multiple tactical errors in Jack Della Maddalena's loss to Carlos Prates. Approximately 90 percent of Della Maddalena's defensive actions relied on a boxing block, which proved inadequate against Prates' tornado of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. The block was porous, allowing many straight punches through, and Della Maddalena couldn't counterattack explosively from the block like Petr Yan does. Della Maddalena surprisingly fought mostly in southpaw stance despite having his left leg damaged by Makhachev previously; when he switched to orthodox, Prates punished his left side with middle kicks. The analysis notes Della Maddalena lacked the speed and aggression needed to pressure Prates effectively. Regarding a potential Makhachev vs Prates matchup, the breakdown suggests Prates has proven he can destroy opponents' lead legs quickly and poses real knockout danger at distance, though questions remain about how he would handle Makhachev's wrestling and top pressure.