Carlos Prates could be on a collision course with another elite striker. Prates recently called up former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena for a clash at UFC 327 in April. Maddalena has verbally expressed interest in the matchup. The Australian would prefer a five-round clash and predicts he will finish Prates.
Carlos Prates wants to fight Jack Della Maddalena in April
#UFC327 in Miami👀🔥“👀☎️❓”
(via @denachtmerrie170)
pic.twitter.com/wXcHXPzVBJ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS)
January 4, 2026
“That would be a good fight,” Maddalena told streamer N3on. “I’m in. He has pretty good punching power. I think I would finish him. It should definitely be a five-rounder.”
Former champion versus emerging competitor?
Maddalena (18-3) won the title against Belal Muhammad in a feud at UFC 315 in May 2025. Maddalena lost his title in a first defense against Islam Makhachev via a lopsided unanimous decision at UFC 322 last November. Maddalena was undefeated in 18 straight bouts, including three UFC wins before losing to Makhachev.Meanwhile, Prates (23-7) emerged as a solid contender with a bonus-winning knockout of former champion Leon Edwards on the same card. “The Nightmare” initially called for a title shot against Makhachev. However, Prates has seemingly shifted focus as Makhachev looks to defend the title against Kamaru Usman. Prates has won all six of his UFC wins, dropping only a decision to Ian Garry.
🚨Jack Della Maddalena accepts Carlos Prates’ challenge and predicts a finish.
‘I’m in. He has pretty good punching power. I think I would finish it. It should definitely be a five-rounder.’
(Via @N3onOnYT )
pic.twitter.com/0jny2ydF7Q— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA)
January 4, 2026
#champion #accepts #Carlos #Prates #call