Carlos Prates Stops Jack Della Maddalena to Enter Welterweight Title Picture
Carlos Prates delivered a statement performance by beating Jack Della Maddalena through a third-round TKO to become the UFC Perth main event winner. Not only did the victory extend the incredible finishing spurt of Prates, but it also made him one of the top competitors in the welterweight division. The fight highlighted Prates’ control, relentless pressure, and ability to break down a former champion over three rounds.
Fight Breakdown: Force and Accuracy
Since the first round, Prates was able to regulate the hitting blows calmly and correctly. Della Maddalena was looking to incorporate grappling and defense, but Prates always discovered opportunities and struck powerful combinations.
The tide turned, and Prates produced more and started striking the legs. The motion of Della Maddalena was obviously impaired by a succession of kicks to the calf and ended with a knockdown toward the end of the round, handing him the second UFC loss of his career.
The Final Round
Della Maddalena was also left with damage by the third round. Prates kept up his aggression and combined body and head shots, and delivered a finishing combination. A knee stunned Della Maddalena, and Prates was soon upon her with blows upon the ground. At 3:17 of the round, the referee intervened, granting Prates the TKO victory after a continuous onslaught.
It was the seventh straight knockout victory of Prates, which further established him as one of the most dangerous finishers in the division.
Title Ambitions Take Center Stage
After the triumph, Prates indicated his plans for the next move in his career. He suggested that he is now fully dedicated to a title fight, with the winner of the next championship match between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry.
He is expected to attend UFC 330 in August, where he hopes to face off with the winner after the main event concludes. Prates is also interested in a rematch with Garry, who handed him his only UFC defeat in 2025. He suggested that such a fight could take place in Brazil, potentially in 2027
Tough Night For Della Maddalena
For Della Maddalena, the loss represents a significant setback. It marks the first time in his professional career that he has suffered consecutive defeats, following his earlier title loss. Throughout the fight, he appeared compromised by sustained leg damage. Prates’ calf kicks forced him to adjust his stance in the third round, limiting his mobility and offensive output.
He also sustained a noticeable cut above his right eye during the second round, which continued to bleed for the remainder of the bout. Given the physical toll of the fight, he is expected to receive a medical suspension while recovering.
What’s Next
Della Maddalena’s defeat is expected to impact his welterweight ranking, likely causing him to fall from his current position. To get back in title contention, he will likely depend on securing a series of strong wins against elite opponents. Before the fight, he had emphasized his goal of working his way back toward another title opportunity. However, analysts believe that recovery and adjustments to his defensive approach will be crucial before he returns to competition.
Prates’ performance in Perth has firmly placed him among the top names in the division. With a growing list of finishes and victories over high-level competition, he now stands on the verge of a title shot. As the welterweight division continues to gain attention, Prates is showing his ability and polishing his talent as he moves forward.
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