Breakdown: Maddalena's boxing guard failed against Prates' versatile striking

A detailed post-fight analysis revealed that Jack Della Maddalena relied almost 90 percent on a boxing guard for defense against Carlos Prates, which proved ineffective against the tornado of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. Maddalena's guard had gaps that allowed many straight punches through, and unlike fighters like Petr Yan, Maddalena could not counter-attack explosively from the guard position. Maddalena surprisingly fought much of the bout in southpaw stance despite his left leg being compromised after the Makhachev fight, allowing Prates to damage his left side with mid-kicks. The analyst admits to underestimating Prates' versatility and ability to enter a fighting trance. Looking ahead to a potential Makhachev versus Prates bout, the analysis notes that Prates has destroyed the lead leg of southpaws like Edwards and Maddalena, potentially giving him a chance, though Makhachev's grappling pressure could neutralize Prates' striking confidence.