Carlos Prates achieved a significant TKO victory against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Fight Night Perth on May 2, 2026. The Brazilian fighter’s striking, particularly his leg kicks and elbows, led to a stoppage at 3:17 of the third round. This marks Prates’ second win over a former welterweight champion, following his previous encounter with Leon Edwards.
Former double champion Daniel Cormier, a known training partner of current titleholder Islam Makhachev, analyzed Prates’ performance on his podcast. Cormier expressed that Prates made Della Maddalena appear outmatched.
Cormier: Prates’ Victory More Impressive Than Makhachev’s
“We just saw Islam beat Jack Della Maddalena to win the championship,” Cormier stated. “The way Islam beat Jack was not nearly as impressive as what Carlos Prates did the other day.”
Cormier elaborated on Prates’ performance, noting how Della Maddalena seemed out of his depth. “It looked like Della Maddalena didn’t belong in there with Prates,” he observed. “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. I think that yesterday that young man did something so special because of the person he did it to.”
Islam Makhachev secured the welterweight title from Della Maddalena via unanimous decision at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025. While Makhachev extended his win streak to 16 and became the 11th double champion in UFC history, statistics indicate he outstruck Della Maddalena with 18 takedowns across five rounds. In contrast, Prates, now with a record of 24-7, significantly outlanded Della Maddalena with 41 significant strikes to 104 in just three rounds.
This shared history with Della Maddalena positions Prates as a strong contender in the welterweight division. While Ian Machado Garry is widely considered the next likely challenger to Makhachev, Prates himself asserted his claim for the next title shot post-fight, highlighting his knockout victories over two former champions who had never been finished in that manner before. Cormier concurred that Prates’ performance warranted a significant boost in his standing.
Della Maddalena’s record dropped to 18-4 with this second consecutive loss. He had previously won the title from Belal Muhammad by decision at UFC 315 in May. Prates, nicknamed “The Nightmare,” maintains a perfect 6-0 record in the UFC, with all his wins coming by way of finish. His physical attributes, standing at 6’0″ with an 80-inch reach, make him a formidable presence in the division.
Makhachev trains with Cormier at the American Kickboxing Academy, and Cormier sees a direct link between Prates’ skillset and the challenges he could pose. Prates’ patience and imposing size are identified as potential threats to any fighter at 170 pounds. The online reaction from fans and fellow fighters to Prates’ dominant performance was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a “masterpiece.” Despite UFC Perth being held in Della Maddalena’s home country of Australia, Prates delivered a stunning upset.
This result injects significant intrigue into the welterweight division. With Garry expected to face Makhachev, Prates’ emphatic victory ensures he remains a prominent figure in the title picture. Cormier’s assessment underscores Prates’ elevated threat level within the division.