Della Maddalena entered the weekend officially as the No. 1 contender at welterweight, riding an impressive 18-fight winning streak. However, Prates’s performance shattered that streak—he became the first fighter to stop Della Maddalena at the UFC level.

Prates’s journey has been nothing short of impressive. He has won all seven of his UFC bouts by knockout or TKO, and this latest victory marks his third first-round KO/TKO win in just over eight months. His previous triumph was against former champion Leon Edwards, further solidifying his reputation.

Key statistics:

• Prates improved his UFC record to 7-1, with all victories by knockout or TKO.
• Della Maddalena had not fought in his home country for three years prior to this event.
• This was the second UFC event held in Australia in 2026.
• Prates’s only loss was a decision to Ian Machado Garry twelve months ago.

After the fight, Prates confidently dubbed himself the new No. 1 contender at 170 pounds. Observers noted that his back-to-back stoppage wins over former champions have sent a clear message throughout the division—he is a legitimate threat to anyone holding the title.

As for Della Maddalena, this loss will undoubtedly prompt some soul-searching. His recent defeat raises questions about his future trajectory in the welterweight ranks. Officials have yet to confirm what this means for him moving forward.

Looking ahead, Carlos Prates is expected to rise significantly in the welterweight rankings following this decisive victory. The implications of such a win could lead to an imminent title shot—one that many fans and analysts are now eagerly anticipating.

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