Detailed breakdown: Prates defeats Maddalena with superior striking versatility

A comprehensive fight analysis reveals Carlos Prates defeated Jack Della Maddalena through superior striking versatility and strategic advantages. Maddalena relied heavily on a boxing guard defense (approximately 90%) which proved ineffective against Prates' diverse arsenal of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. Maddalena surprisingly fought primarily in southpaw stance despite his left leg being damaged in the Makhachev fight, and when he switched to orthodox, Prates attacked his left side with middle kicks. Maddalena lacked the speed and aggression needed to pressure Prates effectively. The analysis notes Prates damaged both Edwards' and Maddalena's lead legs within the first round as a southpaw. For a potential Makhachev matchup, the breakdown suggests Prates poses serious striking threats with leg kicks and knees, but questions remain about his durability after sustained ground control. The post also suggests UFC may consider a Prates vs. Morales eliminator fight.