A Statement Performance Against Elite Competition
Brazilian fighter Carlos Prates delivered a commanding performance at UFC Perth, securing a third-round knockout victory over former champion Jack Della Maddalena. This dominant display represents far more than a single win—it marks another significant step in Prates' campaign for a welterweight title opportunity. With this victory, Prates now boasts an impressive 7-1 record within the UFC, highlighted by seven knockout victories and seven post-fight performance bonuses. The result underscores his position as one of the most dangerous strikers in the 170-pound division.
Building an Unmatched Resume Against Former Titleholders
Prates has constructed a resume that few competitors in the welterweight division can match. His back-to-back victories over former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena stand out as particularly impressive achievements. The distinction matters significantly in title shot negotiations—Prates has accomplished what virtually no other contender has managed, defeating multiple former champions by knockout. During his post-fight remarks, Prates emphasized this unique accomplishment, noting that such consecutive wins against elite former titleholders rarely occur at the championship level.
While acknowledging fellow contender Morales in the welterweight rankings, Prates pointed out a crucial difference: Morales lacks comparable victories against former champions. This distinction becomes vital when evaluating who deserves the next title opportunity. Prates' willingness to face the division's toughest competitors and his ability to finish them showcases the mentality required for championship success.
The Machado Garry Factor in Title Negotiations
An intriguing subplot adds complexity to Prates' title shot pursuit. Earlier in the year, Prates revealed a strategic vision involving Ian Machado Garry—the only fighter to defeat him in the UFC. The two competitors share mutual respect despite their competitive history, and Prates expressed confidence that Machado Garry could defeat Islam Makhachev for the championship. This belief opens the door to a potential title rematch scenario, ideally staged in Brazil.
However, Prates demonstrated flexibility regarding his path to gold. He remains willing to wait patiently for the conclusion of Makhachev versus Machado Garry before making his next move. Should Makhachev retain his belt, Prates indicated openness to challenging the Russian champion directly. This adaptable approach suggests Prates understands that multiple avenues could lead to his title opportunity.
Addressing the Wrestling Question
Critics have raised legitimate concerns about Prates' ability to compete against high-level wrestlers, particularly someone of Makhachev's caliber. However, the Della Maddalena bout provided an opportunity to address these doubts directly. When Della Maddalena attempted an early takedown, Prates responded with remarkable composure and defensive awareness. Rather than panic, he demonstrated technical wrestling defense and mental clarity during these exchanges.
Prates holds a BJJ black belt—a significant credential that shouldn't be overlooked when evaluating his ground game capabilities. During the fight, he communicated confidently with his opponent, assessing threats while maintaining tactical control. This display of grappling confidence and fight intelligence suggests he possesses the defensive foundation necessary to compete against elite wrestlers at the championship level.
Fight Intelligence and the Bonus Strategy
An often-overlooked aspect of Prates' performance involved his tactical adjustments during the later rounds. After hurting Della Maddalena with devastating calf kicks and observing his opponent's compromised physical condition, Prates shifted his approach strategically. Rather than rushing a finish, he recognized that the fight's outcome was already decided while pursuing the financial incentive of a post-fight performance bonus.
This decision reflected high fight intelligence rather than hesitation. With Della Maddalena's leg severely injured and bleeding, wrestling no longer represented a viable threat. Prates correctly assessed that the risk-reward calculation favored securing bonus money while maintaining complete control. Such strategic thinking demonstrates the mental fortitude required at the championship level.
The Path Forward for Welterweight Supremacy
The UFC has yet to officially announce Islam Makhachev's next opponent, leaving Prates in a holding pattern regarding his title prospects. Nevertheless, his recent dominance strengthens his negotiating position considerably. Among the welterweight contenders currently awaiting championship opportunities, Prates' victories over former champions distinguish him from other challengers. His seven UFC victories showcase both consistency and remarkable finishing ability, qualities that resonate with fight fans and UFC decision-makers alike.
As the welterweight division continues evolving, Prates remains positioned as a significant threat to whoever holds the championship. Whether facing Machado Garry's potential upset victory or squaring off against Makhachev directly, Prates has demonstrated the skills, resume, and mental fortitude necessary to compete at the sport's highest level.