Carlos Prates achieved a third-round technical knockout against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night Perth on May 2, 2026, headlining the event at RAC Arena. The Brazilian fighter’s effective leg kicks and elbow strikes led to a stoppage at 3:17, marking his second triumph over a former welterweight champion, following his earlier victory over Leon Edwards. Daniel Cormier, a former two-division champion and close training partner of current titleholder Islam Makhachev, provided his insights on Prates’ performance on his podcast.
Cormier Declares Prates’ Domination Superior to Makhachev’s Title Win
Cormier highlighted how Prates completely outclassed Della Maddalena. He speculated that Ian Garry is likely the next contender for the title. However, Cormier added that if Prates were to challenge for the belt after Garry, there would be no objections from fans. He explained his reasoning by comparing Prates’ performance to how Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena to claim the championship. Cormier stated that Makhachev’s victory, while a dominant performance, was not as impressive as what Carlos Prates accomplished recently.
“That was crazy,” Cormier remarked. “It seemed like Della Maddalena didn’t belong in there with Prates. If this is how Carlos fights going forward, if this is the fighter he is now – someone who takes his time, is patient, can dissect opponents like that, and is physically imposing for the weight class – he’s a serious threat. He’s a serious threat. I believe that what that young man did yesterday was exceptionally special, especially considering who he fought.”
Makhachev secured the welterweight title from Della Maddalena via unanimous decision at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, held at Madison Square Garden. This victory extended his winning streak to 16 and made him the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold titles in multiple weight classes. Statistics reveal that Makhachev out-landed Della Maddalena significantly in takedowns, with an 18-0 advantage across five rounds. In contrast, Prates, now with a record of 24-7, landed a remarkable 41 more significant strikes than Della Maddalena within just three rounds.
Prates’ recent victory places him firmly in the title contention discussion. Ian Machado Garry is widely expected to be the next challenger for Makhachev’s championship. Following his win, Prates confidently stated his case, telling reporters, “I should be next,” and emphasized his two knockout victories over former champions who had never been finished in that manner before. Cormier concurred that Prates’ performance warranted him skipping ahead in the queue for a title shot.
Della Maddalena’s record now stands at 18-4, marking his second consecutive defeat. He had originally captured the welterweight 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 within the UFC, with all of 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, and the former champion sees direct parallels in Prates’ fighting style. Prates’ blend of patience, strategic striking, and imposing size could pose a formidable challenge to any fighter in the 170-pound division. Online reactions from fans and fellow fighters lauded Prates’ performance as a masterclass. While UFC Perth was a significant event in Della Maddalena’s home country of Australia, Prates ultimately spoiled the hometown celebration.
This outcome sets the stage for an exciting welterweight division narrative. Garry remains slated for a potential showdown with Makhachev, but Prates’ emphatic victory keeps him in close contention. Cormier concluded by asserting that Prates’ performance served as undeniable proof of his dangerous potential in the division.