Carlos Prates Sets Title Push Through UFC Perth Main Event vs. Jack Della Maddalena

Overview

• Prates, who laid out his plan Tuesday, pointed to the May 2 headliner in Perth against Jack Della Maddalena as his springboard to a title shot if he scores a finish and a post-fight bonus.
• He wants Ian Machado Garry to face champion Islam Makhachev in August, a bout the UFC has not announced, and he said the two discussed a Brazil rematch if Garry takes the belt.
• Prates said he does not plan to accept a quick turnaround for an August title fight after Perth because he wants time to heal and sharpen his training.
• He is building his case with back-to-back knockouts of Geoff Neal and former champion Leon Edwards, whose loss in November was the first knockout of his career, plus a streak of UFC bonuses he says could reach seven in eight fights.
• He called Della Maddalena the toughest foe of his career to date and highlighted the Australian’s boxing as the main challenge he must solve in Perth.