Carlos Prates achieved a remarkable third-round technical knockout against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night Perth on May 2, 2026. The Brazilian fighter’s effective leg kicks and elbows led to the stoppage at 3:17, marking his second significant win over a former welterweight champion, following his previous victory against Leon Edwards. Former two-division champion Daniel Cormier, a training partner of current titleholder Islam Makhachev, shared his insights on Prates’ performance during his podcast.
Cormier Argues Prates Outshone Makhachev’s Title Win
Cormier highlighted how Prates completely outclassed Della Maddalena, making him appear outmatched. He speculated about future title contenders, noting that while Ian Garry seems to be next in line, a challenge from Prates would be widely accepted. Cormier explained his reasoning by comparing Prates’ victory to Islam Makhachev’s earlier win over Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship, stating, “The way Islam beat Jack was not nearly as impressive as what Carlos Prates did the other day.”
He further elaborated, “That was crazy. It looked like Della Maddalena didn’t belong in there with Prates. If that’s how Carlos fights from now on, if that’s who he is today, a guy that really takes his time, he’s patient, can pick people apart like that, and he’s huge for the weight class, he’s a real issue. He’s a real issue. I think that yesterday that young man did something so special because of the person he did it to.”
Makhachev secured the welterweight belt against Della Maddalena via unanimous decision at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, extending his winning streak to 16 and becoming the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold titles in multiple divisions. Statistical data from that fight shows Makhachev outstruck Della Maddalena with 18 takedowns across five rounds. In contrast, Prates, with a record of 24-7, landed significantly more strikes, holding a 41-104 advantage in just three rounds against the same opponent.
This recent victory positions Prates strongly in the welterweight contender picture. While Ian Machado Garry is widely considered the next likely challenger to Makhachev’s title, Prates confidently stated post-fight, “I should be next,” referencing his two knockout wins over former champions who had never been finished in that manner before. Cormier concurred, acknowledging that Prates’ dominant performance earned him a direct path to a title shot.
Della Maddalena’s record now stands at 18-4, with this being his second consecutive loss. He had previously won the title from Belal Muhammad by decision at UFC 315 in May of the previous year. Prates, known as “The Nightmare,” maintains a perfect 6-0 record in the UFC, with all his wins coming by way of finish. Standing at 6’0″ with an 80-inch reach, he possesses a significant physical advantage in the welterweight division.
Makhachev trains alongside Cormier at the American Kickboxing Academy, where Cormier observed direct parallels to Prates’ fighting style. Cormier believes Prates’ patient approach and considerable size pose a serious threat to any fighter in the 170-pound division. Online reactions from fans and fellow fighters have lauded Prates’ performance as a masterpiece. Despite the UFC Perth event taking place in Della Maddalena’s hometown of Australia, Prates delivered a stunning performance that disrupted the hometown celebration.
This outcome has injected significant drama into the welterweight division. Although Garry is slated to face Makhachev, Prates’ emphatic victory keeps him firmly in contention. Cormier concluded his analysis by emphasizing Prates’ impressive display as clear evidence of his formidable threat level in the division.
English Translation:
Carlos Prates delivered a third-round TKO over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night Perth on May 2, 2026, in the main event at RAC Arena. The Brazilian striker landed leg kicks and elbows that forced a stoppage at 3:17, marking his second win over a former welterweight champion after Leon Edwards. Daniel Cormier, ex-double champion and longtime training partner of current titleholder Islam Makhachev, broke down the performance on his podcast.
Cormier Crowns Prates’ Beatdown Over Makhachev’s Title Win
Cormier pointed out how Prates made Della Maddalena look outmatched. He noted that while Ian Garry appears to be the next title challenger, a fight between Prates and Makhachev would be well-received. Cormier explained why, stating, “Because we just saw Islam beat Jack Della Maddalena in the way that he did. We saw him dominate Jack Della Maddalena to win the championship. The way Islam beat Jack was not nearly as impressive as what Carlos Prates did the other day.”
“That was crazy. It looked like Della Maddalena didn’t belong in there with Prates. If that’s how Carlos fights from now on, if that’s who he is today, a guy that really takes his time, he’s patient, can pick people apart like that, and he’s huge for the weight class, he’s a real issue. He’s a real issue. I think that yesterday that young man did something so special because of the person he did it to.”
Makhachev claimed the welterweight belt from Della Maddalena via unanimous decision at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, extending his win streak to 16 and making him the 11th double champion in UFC history. Stats show Makhachev outstruck Della Maddalena 18-0 in takedowns across five rounds. Prates, now 24-7, holds a 41-104 significant strikes edge in just three rounds against the same fighter.
The shared history puts Prates in the contender mix. Ian Machado Garry sits as the likely next challenger to Makhachev’s crown. Prates called his own shot post-fight: “I should be next,” he told reporters, noting knockouts over two ex-champs who had never lost that way before. Cormier agreed Prates earned a queue jump after the display.
Della Maddalena dropped to 18-4, his second straight loss. He captured the title from Belal Muhammad via decision at UFC 315 last May. Prates, nicknamed “The Nightmare,” stays perfect in the UFC at 6-0 with all finishes. At 6’0″ with an 80-inch reach, he towers in the division.
Makhachev trains with Cormier at American Kickboxing Academy, where the ex-champ sees direct ties. Prates’ patience and size could test anyone at 170 pounds. Fans reacted online to the beatdown, with fighters calling it a masterpiece. UFC Perth drew big crowds in Della Maddalena’s Australia hometown, but Prates spoiled the party.
This sets up welterweight drama. Garry awaits a date with Makhachev, yet Prates’ statement win keeps him close. Cormier wraps it as proof of the Brazilian’s threat level.
