Carlos Prates: everything we know so far

Brazilian Carlos Prates is pledging to produce a knockout win on enemy territory in Saturday night’s UFC showdown in Perth, but hometown hero Jack Della Maddalena is bracing for a five-round war. Carlos Prates has emerged this Friday as one of the stories drawing attention in Australia.

Key facts

• Brazilian Carlos Prates is pledging to produce a knockout win on enemy territory in Saturday night’s UFC showdown in Perth, but hometown hero Jack Della Maddalena is bracing for a five-round war.
• They may be two of the most dangerous strikers in the welterweight division, but Jack Della Maddalena is preparing for a five-round war when he steps into the octagon against Carlos Prates at RAC Arena.
• Della Maddalena (18-3) returns to the octagon for the first time since losing his welterweight crown against future Hall of Famer Islam Makhachev in New York last November.
• Prates (23-7) is the No.5 ranked challenger in the welterweight division, and he hopes a win in Perth will set up a title bout.
• Prates has produced 18 knockouts from his 23 victories, and said he will leave it as a “surprise” as to what round he’ll put Della Maddalena’s lights out.

What we know

Going deeper, they may be two of the most dangerous strikers in the welterweight division, but Jack Della Maddalena is preparing for a five-round war when he steps into the octagon against Carlos Prates at RAC Arena.

On the substance, Della Maddalena (18-3) returns to the octagon for the first time since losing his welterweight crown against future Hall of Famer Islam Makhachev in New York last November.

Beyond the headlines, Prates (23-7) is the No.5 ranked challenger in the welterweight division, and he hopes a win in Perth will set up a title bout.

More precisely, Prates has produced 18 knockouts from his 23 victories, and said he will leave it as a “surprise” as to what round he’ll put Della Maddalena’s lights out.

It is worth noting that Della Maddalena will have the chance to unleash his frustrations when he takes on Prates at RAC Arena on Saturday night.

By the numbers

“I have to be switched on, but I believe I’ll be able to push the pace, drag him into deep waters, and I’m expecting a 25-minute battle.”

On a related note, the 32-year-old wasn’t afraid to make a big prediction ahead of Saturday’s fight.

Going deeper, So I think he wants to come really angry, hungry, 100 per cent to get the win.”

What they're saying

“He brings a lot of weapons,” Della Maddalena said.

The wider context

On a related note, the dethroned champion is well aware of Prates’ weapons, but he has other ideas of how the fight will pan out.

Going deeper, the heavy nature of that defeat

“I know he just lost the title, and I’m sure he’s trying to get back in the run for the title.

“He’s got finishes with almost every strike he’s got.

More precisely, Della Maddalena said he was proud to headline an event bursting with WA talent.

The bottom line

• They may be two of the most dangerous strikers in the welterweight division, but Jack Della Maddalena is preparing for a five-round war when he steps into the octagon against Carlos Prates at RAC Arena.
• The dethroned champion is well aware of Prates’ weapons, but he has other ideas of how the fight will pan out.
• The 32-year-old wasn’t afraid to make a big prediction ahead of Saturday’s fight.
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