Analysis: Della Maddalena's boxing guard and stance choices led to Prates loss

A detailed fight analysis reveals that Jack Della Maddalena's defensive approach was ill-suited against Carlos Prates's diverse striking arsenal. Approximately 90% of Maddalena's defensive actions relied on a boxing-style block, which proved ineffective against Prates's torrent of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. Della Maddalena's block was porous, allowing many straight punches through, and unlike fighters like Petr Yan who can counter-strike explosively from this position, Maddalena remained passive. Surprisingly, Della Maddalena fought extensively in a 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 analyst suggests Maddalena's best chance was aggressive forward pressure to keep Prates against the cage, but he lacked the speed and aggression needed, and Prates's confidence and power with strikes from all angles proved overwhelming. Regarding a potential Islam Makhachev versus Prates matchup, the post notes that Prates destroyed the lead legs of southpaws Edwards and Maddalena with low kicks, which could threaten Makhachev, though Makhachev's grappling and ability to wear down strikers over rounds would create significant challenges for Prates.