In a stunning display of striking dominance, Carlos Prates dismantled Jack Della Maddalena in a violent Welterweight showcase at UFC Perth, leaving the Australian crowd in stunned silence inside RAC Arena.
From the opening bell, Della Maddalena came forward with pressure, looking to push Prates toward the fence and work the body with combinations. But the Brazilian had other plans. Prates established his jab early, kicked the lead leg, and began finding his rhythm midway through the first round. Despite carrying his hands dangerously low—a high-risk, high-reward approach—his timing was impeccable. A step knee up the middle caught Della Maddalena clean, and another followed shortly after, forcing the Australian to secure a takedown just before the horn.
The second round saw Della Maddalena start strong, landing kicks to the lead leg and punches upstairs. But Prates answered with another beautiful step knee that checked the chin. When Della Maddalena scored another takedown along the fence, he couldn't keep Prates down. The Brazilian unleashed a devastating arsenal—knees, elbows, and crisp combinations. At one point, Prates put his back against the fence in true Anderson Silva fashion, then badly hurt Della Maddalena with a knee. As Prates moved in for the finish, Della Maddalena showed heart, firing back to create space. But a low kick hobbled the former champion, and Prates began abusing Della Maddalena's high guard with relentless knees and elbows. Another low kick floored the Australian at the bell, and Della Maddalena limped back to his corner in obvious distress.
Switching to Orthodox to start the third round, Della Maddalena was already bleeding and struggling to find answers. Prates stuffed a takedown attempt and ripped a vicious body kick that turned the Australian into a punching bag. A high kick followed by a step-in elbow sent Della Maddalena crashing to the canvas. After flooring him again with another low kick, Prates sealed one of the most violent performances of the year—a masterclass in Muay Thai and precision striking that will be remembered as a defining moment in the Welterweight division.