The Welterweight Collision: Della Maddalena vs. Prates
Fight fans, mark your calendars! The UFC schedule is heating up as we head to the Land Down Under for an electrifying UFC Fight Night. The spotlight shines bright on Perth, Australia, where two of the welterweight division’s most lethal strikers, Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates, are set to collide in a high-stakes showdown.
For Jack Della Maddalena (18-3), this isn’t just another fight—it’s a redemption arc. After a challenging encounter with the dominant Islam Makhachev, JDM is looking to erase the memories of that defeat. While the grappling pressure of Makhachev was a different beast, facing a pure striker like Prates allows Della Maddalena to showcase his world-class boxing.
“I need to be switched on and focused. Being defensively minded is important, but I can’t shell up,” Della Maddalena told CBS Sports, emphasizing the need to balance offense and defense to secure the win.
The Rise of the Knockout Artist: Carlos Prates
Standing in his way is Carlos Prates (23-7), a man who has turned the Octagon into his personal highlight reel. In less than two years with the UFC, Prates has already climbed into the top 10 for all-time welterweight knockouts. He isn’t intimidated by JDM’s pedigree; in fact, he views the matchup as a stepping stone toward a title shot.
Prates utilizes a versatile style, blending a traditional Muay Thai stance with kickboxing. His ability to mask heavy punches behind devastating kicks makes him a nightmare for anyone who misjudges the distance.
Full UFC Fight Night Card & Odds
Beyond the main event, the card is packed with talent looking to make a statement. Check out the key matchups and the latest official UFC details below:
- Main Event: Carlos Prates (-118) vs. Jack Della Maddalena (-102) — Welterweight
- Co-Main Event: Quillan Salkilld (-455) vs. Beneil Dariush (+350) — Lightweight
- Featured Bout: Steve Erceg (-238) vs. Tim Elliott (+195) — Flyweight
In the co-main event, Quillan Salkilld aims to cement his status as Oceania’s newest star by taking on the veteran Beneil Dariush. While Dariush is a seasoned campaigner, Salkilld’s explosive power could be the deciding factor in this clash of generations.
UFC Schedule: Event Details
If you don’t want to miss a second of the action, here is everything you need to know about the event timing and access:
- Date: May 2
- Location: RAC Arena — Perth, Australia
- Preliminary Card: Starts at 4 a.m.
- Main Card: Starts at 7 a.m.
- Streaming: Available via Paramount+ (Subscriptions start as low as $8.99/month).
Expert Analysis: Who Takes the Win?
When analyzing the styles, Jack Della Maddalena holds the edge in pure boxing and close-range exchanges. Prates often relies on a high guard that can be penetrated by the smaller four-ounce MMA gloves. While Prates has the raw power to end the fight in a heartbeat, JDM’s technical versatility and strategic adjustments from his last fight make him the slight favorite.
Prediction: Jack Della Maddalena via Unanimous Decision.
