Outside Source
Prates recently called out former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena for a clash at UFC 327 in April. Maddalena has verbally expressed interest in the matchup. The Australian would prefer a five-round clash and predicts that he will finish Prates.
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“That would be a good fight,” Maddalena told streamer N3on. “I’m in. He’s got pretty good striking. I reckon I’d finish him. It has to be a five-rounder for sure.”
Former Champ vs. Rising Contender?
Maddalena (18-3) won the title against Belal Muhammad in an upset at UFC 315 in May 2025. Maddalena lost his title in a first defense against Islam Makhachev via a lopsided unanimous decision at UFC 322 this past November. Maddalena was undefeated in 18 straight outings including three UFC wins before his loss against Makhachev.
Meanwhile, Prates (23-7) emerged as a solid contender with a bonus-winning knockout of former champion Leon Edwards on the same card. “The Nightmare” was initially calling for a title shot against Makhachev. However, Prates has seemingly shifted focus as Makhachev is looking to defend the title against Kamaru Usman. Prates has finished all six of his UFC wins while only dropping a decision against Ian Garry.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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