On May 2, 2026, Carlos Prates made waves in the UFC by becoming the first fighter to stop Jack Della Maddalena at the UFC level during a thrilling event held in Perth, Australia. This victory not only marked a significant milestone for Prates but also solidified his position as the new No. 1 contender in the welterweight division.
The fight unfolded at RAC Arena, where fans gathered for what was anticipated to be an intense showdown. Prates entered the octagon with a fierce determination, having already established himself as a knockout artist with a record of seven victories—each achieved by knockout or technical knockout. The atmosphere was electric as he faced Della Maddalena, who had been riding an impressive 18-fight professional winning streak before his recent loss to Islam Makhachev.
As the fight progressed, it became clear that Prates was on a mission. He continued landing stinging shots that kept Della Maddalena on the defensive. The culmination of this relentless offense came when Prates delivered a decisive blow that ended the match in his favor, earning him his third consecutive stoppage victory.
Key statistics:
- Prates improved to 7-1 in the UFC.
- Della Maddalena’s record before this fight stood at 8-1.
- This was Prates’s third consecutive stoppage win.
- Della Maddalena had held the No. 1 contender spot prior to this bout.
- The event marked the fourth consecutive year for UFC events at RAC Arena.
In post-fight comments, Prates confidently dubbed himself the new No. 1 contender at 170 pounds after felling the former titleholder in Australia. The win left fans and analysts alike calling for his shot at the welterweight title in the near future—a prospect that seems increasingly likely given his current form.
This victory is significant not just for Prates but also shapes the landscape of the welterweight division. With Della Maddalena’s recent loss, which snapped his impressive streak, questions loom about his next steps and how he will rebound from this setback. Meanwhile, Prates’s rise signals a shift in power dynamics within one of UFC’s most competitive divisions.
As we look ahead, Carlos Prates is expected to challenge for the title soon—an opportunity that could redefine his career and further elevate his status within mixed martial arts.
