Expert reveals favorite for Makhachev’s next welterweight title defense

This weekend, former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena will face the division’s No. 5-ranked fighter, Carlos Prates. The bout is scheduled for May 2 at a UFC event in Australia.

Mixed martial arts commentator Mikhail Kraimer, author of the Vestnik MMA Telegram channel, shared his prediction in an interview with Kursiv.media.

A striking battle — or a tactical surprise?

«We should expect a spectacular matchup between two elite strikers that is unlikely to go to the judges’ scorecards, given that they’ve already combined for 30 knockouts,» Kraimer said.

«But in reality, it could turn out to be more tactical than expected. I’m sure both fighters understand that their shared weakness is wrestling. The only question is whether they’ll try to exploit that or prefer to entertain the crowd and test whose chin is stronger and whose punches are heavier.»

Favorite and home advantage

According to Kraimer, Maddalena enters the fight as the favorite. He noted that the Australian is more technically polished on the feet than Prates. Another factor working in Maddalena’s favor is the location, as the fight will take place in his home country.

Title picture remains uncertain

However, Kraimer is skeptical that the winner will immediately become the next title challenger against Islam Makhachev.

In his view, the welterweight division — which includes Kazakhstan’s Shavkat Rakhmonov — features several strong contenders.

«As for whether the winner becomes a title contender, that’s debatable. There are a huge number of exciting and competitive fighters in the 77-kilogram division right now, some on impressive win streaks or even undefeated,» Kraimer said.

«I think Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry are ahead of both Carlos and Jack at this point.»