Carlos Prates cites Moicano as an example and predicts a tough fight at UFC Perth.

Prates during training. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/thenightmare_170

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Carlos Prates predicts a tough challenge against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth . The Fighting Nerds columnist believes the former champion will step into the octagon in his best form, motivated by his recent loss, which he considers an extra motivating factor for his rival.

In an interview with 'Connect Cast', Prates highlighted that the negative reaction after the Australian's last performance could fuel a reaction within the category. The smoker also emphasized Maddalena's youth and cited the recent example of Renato Moicano , who overcame criticism about his physical performance and delivered a convincing performance against Chris Duncan at UFC Vegas 115.

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“Everyone was saying he cried during the fight with Makhachev, and he wants to prove he's still in the game, you know? He's young, if I'm not mistaken he's 29 years old, and we have the example of Moicano last weekend, who everyone said would get tired and all that, and he came back and showed off. So I expect a very tough fight, with Jack Della Maddalena being very aggressive and coming to prove he's still in the game,” said Carlos Prates.

After four knockouts in four fights in the 2024 season, Carlos Prates saw his opportunity to establish himself in the top 10 of the division when he lost to Ian Garry at UFC Kansas in April 2025. Subsequently, however, the Brazilian bounced back by knocking out Geoff Neal and again Leon Edwards , securing two consecutive victories and placing his name in sixth position in the ranking.

Jack Della Maddalena , for his part, entered the UFC champion gallery after beating Belal Muhammad in a five-round war at UFC 315. However, at UFC 322, he ended up being dominated by Islam Makhachev.

Besides the fight between Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena , there are no other confirmed bouts for UFC Perth , scheduled for May 2nd in Australia.

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