Carlos Prates now has additional ammunition for callouts against Islam Makhachev, having finished Jack Della Maddalena early while Makhachev went the distance with the same opponent. The post notes that Prates can use this comparative performance to promote a potential fight by highlighting that he "managed to finish Della Maddalena early" where Makhachev did not. This creates talking points for building interest in a potential matchup. The observation suggests that Makhachev now faces multiple potential opponents who can generate media attention and promotional conflict. Ian Garry and Belal Morales are mentioned as other fighters in this category, though the post suggests they may not be the primary media rivals for Makhachev going forward.
Carlos Prates has strengthened his case for a shot at welterweight champion Islam Makhachev after finishing Jack Della Maddalena early — a result that stands in sharp contrast to Makhachev's decision victory over the same opponent.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," carries a 24-7 record and is currently ranked fifth in the welterweight division. The 32-year-old Brazilian, who trains out of Vale Top Team, is a physical presence at six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach. He lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, and his early finish of Della Maddalena adds considerable weight to any promotional push toward a title fight.
Makhachev, 34, is the reigning welterweight champion and the number-one pound-for-pound fighter on the roster. The Russian holds a 28-1 record and fights out of Eagles MMA. He lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy clip and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him one of the most well-rounded profiles in the sport. His points victory over Della Maddalena was effective, but it did not include a finish — a distinction Prates can now exploit in any public callout.
Della Maddalena himself sits fourth in the welterweight rankings at 18-4, and his standing in the division makes the manner of his defeat to Prates a meaningful data point. The 29-year-old Australian averages 5.57 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the more prolific offensive welterweights on the roster, which lends credibility to the finish.
Why it matters
- Prates now holds a legitimate comparative edge over the champion in head-to-head performance against a shared opponent
- The finish adds pressure on the promotion to consider Prates as a primary title contender at 170 pounds
- Ian Garry and Belal Morales are also positioned as potential Makhachev rivals, creating a competitive field of challengers vying for media traction
