An extensive breakdown of Carlos Prates's recent victory over Jack Della Maddalena identified key tactical elements and implications for a potential Islam Makhachev matchup. The analysis noted that Maddalena relied too heavily on boxing blocks against Prates's diverse striking arsenal of kicks, elbows, knees and punches, and spent too much time in southpaw stance despite having his left leg targeted successfully. Maddalena's chance was to be the aggressive aggressor forcing Prates backward against the cage, but he lacked the speed and was too cautious, especially after absorbing a knee. The post concluded Prates would have won regardless of Maddalena's approach due to his belief, versatility, and being a hybrid of Alex Pereira and Anderson Silva. For Makhachev, the analysis identifies genuine dangers: Prates destroys southpaws' right legs with 4-5 leg kicks, can knockout with 10-15, and threatens with knees during entries. However, Makhachev is himself a high-level striker who disguises takedowns well, and ground control could diminish Prates's confidence. The UFC faces a decision whether to have Prates fight Diego Moraes first or save him for Makhachev.
An in-depth tactical breakdown published ahead of a potential Islam Makhachev title defense has concluded that Carlos Prates poses genuine and specific dangers to the reigning welterweight champion, while also dissecting where Jack Della Maddalena went wrong in his recent loss to the Brazilian contender.
The analysis argued that Della Maddalena, ranked fourth in the welterweight division at 29 years old, made critical adjustments errors throughout the fight. The Australian fighter, who carries an 18-4 record and averages an impressive 5.57 significant strikes per minute, relied too heavily on boxing-based blocks against Prates's multi-layered attack of kicks, elbows, knees, and punches. He also spent extended time in southpaw stance despite having his left leg repeatedly targeted. The breakdown suggested Della Maddalena's best path was relentless forward pressure against the cage, but a lack of speed and growing caution after absorbing a knee undermined that approach.
The post ultimately framed Prates as a fighter who would have won regardless, describing him as a hybrid of Alex Pereira and Anderson Silva — a characterization that speaks to his belief, versatility, and striking range. Silva, now 51, remains one of the most decorated strikers in MMA history, posting a 34-11-0 record with 61 percent striking accuracy across his career.
Why it matters
- Prates's habit of landing four to five leg kicks against southpaws — and his capacity to finish with ten to fifteen — maps directly onto Makhachev, who fights out of a southpaw stance
- Prates also threatens with knees during entries, a consistent weapon that slowed Della Maddalena
- Makhachev, the pound-for-pound number-one fighter at 34 with a 28-1 record, counters with elite wrestling averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, which could limit Prates's striking output and erode his confidence
- The UFC must now decide whether to route Prates through Diego Moraes first or fast-track him directly toward the championship
