Analysis: Prates dismantles Maddalena with diverse striking, poses threat to Makhachev

Carlos Prates defeated Jack Della Maddalena using a diverse striking attack that overwhelmed the Australian's primarily boxing-based defense. Prates damaged Maddalena's left leg with mid-kicks and utilized knees, elbows, and punches from multiple angles. The analysis noted that Prates has previously destroyed the lead legs of southpaws Leon Edwards and Maddalena with low kicks, even knocking out Maddalena with them. Against a potential matchup with Islam Makhachev, Prates' leg kicks could pose problems for the southpaw champion, though Makhachev's wrestling and pressure could neutralize the striking threat. The post also suggested a potential eliminator bout between Prates and Belal Muhammad to determine a clear number one contender.