Carlos Prates secured a decisive third-round TKO victory against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night Perth on May 2, 2026. The Brazilian fighter’s powerful leg kicks and precise elbow strikes led to the stoppage at 3:17, marking his second significant win against a former welterweight champion after his previous success against Leon Edwards. Former double champion and current titleholder Islam Makhachev’s training partner, Daniel Cormier, dissected Prates’ performance on his podcast, drawing a stark comparison to Makhachev’s own win over Della Maddalena.
Cormier: Prates’ Victory Over Della Maddalena Was More Impressive Than Makhachev’s Title Defense
Daniel Cormier highlighted how Carlos Prates appeared to completely outclass Jack Della Maddalena. Cormier suggested that while Ian Garry is the likely next title challenger, a future bout between Prates and Makhachev would be met with enthusiasm. He explained his reasoning by 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.”
“It was astonishing,” Cormier continued. “It looked like Della Maddalena was out of his depth against Prates. If this is the Carlos Prates we’ll see going forward, a fighter who takes his time, is patient, can dissect opponents like that, and is physically imposing for his weight class, he’s a serious threat. Yesterday, that young man accomplished something truly special because of the caliber of opponent he faced.”
Islam Makhachev won the welterweight championship from Della Maddalena via unanimous decision at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025. This victory extended Makhachev’s winning streak to 16 and made him the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold titles in multiple weight classes. Statistical analysis of that fight showed Makhachev out-grappling Della Maddalena 18-0 in takedowns over five rounds. In contrast, Prates, now holding a professional record of 24-7, landed a significant striking advantage of 41-104 in just three rounds against the same opponent.
This shared history positions Prates firmly in the welterweight title contention conversation. While Ian Machado Garry is widely considered the next in line to challenge Makhachev, Prates himself confidently stated his claim for the next shot, emphasizing his recent knockouts of two former champions who had never been finished in that manner before. Cormier concurred that Prates’ performance merited immediate consideration for a title opportunity.
Della Maddalena’s record now stands at 18-4, with this being his second consecutive defeat. He had previously captured the welterweight title from Belal Muhammad by decision at UFC 315 in May of the previous year. Prates, nicknamed “The Nightmare,” maintains a perfect 6-0 record in the UFC, with all of his victories 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 alongside Cormier at the American Kickboxing Academy, a connection that Cormier feels provides him with unique insight. Cormier believes Prates’ patient approach and physical size pose a significant challenge to any fighter in the 170-pound division. Online reactions from fans and fellow fighters have widely praised Prates’ performance as a masterclass. Despite UFC Perth taking place in Della Maddalena’s home country of Australia, Prates ultimately spoiled the hometown celebration.
This outcome sets the stage for compelling welterweight drama. While Garry awaits his date with Makhachev, Prates’ emphatic victory has firmly placed him in the championship picture. Cormier concluded by emphasizing that Prates’ performance is definitive proof of his threat level in the division.
