Carlos Prates' opponent wants to take the Brazilian to "deep waters" at UFC Perth; find out why.

Jack Della Maddalena focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Returning to the world's most famous octagon for the first time since the traumatic defeat to Islam Makhachev last November, Jack Della Maddalena will face a big challenge in the main event of UFC Perth , when he takes on Carlos Prates in a duel valid for the welterweight category (up to 77,1 kg). Determined to start a new chapter in his career, the Australian said in an interview during media day last Wednesday (29) that he was expecting a war against the Smoker from Fighting Nerds.

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In contrast to the Brazilian , who has already stated his desire to maintain his winning streak by knockout, Maddalena expects a much more intense fight. Furthermore, he believes that a more balanced duel should favor him.

“Prates gets stoppages with every strike he throws, so it’s a dangerous fight. I believe I’ll be able to impose my pace, drag him into deep waters, and I’m expecting a twenty-five minute battle,” declared the former champion.

👀🇦🇺 Jack Della Maddalena plans to take Carlos Prates into “deep waters” and expects the fight to go the full five-rounds.

"Prates has finished with every strike he's got so it's a dangerous fight. I believe I'll be able to push the pace, drag him into deep waters, and I'm… pic.twitter.com/xsQRMMopsP

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 29, 2026

Despite his frequent appearances in the organization since his debut in 2024, Prates has only fought five rounds once, in his only loss in the UFC, against Ian Garry . With the exception of the loss against the Irishman, all his other fights were won by knockout. In all six of his victories, he earned performance bonuses.

Carlos Prates has achieved historic feats in the UFC.

Prates celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Beyond the fact that he knocked out his opponents in all of his victories, Prates also achieved impressive feats with these performances. Among his adversaries, Li Jingliang , Geoff Neal , and Leon Edwards, he had never lost in this way. Interestingly, Della Maddalena was only defeated in this manner in his professional debut, more than a decade ago.

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