Carlos Prates Confident of Victory Over Jack Della Maddalena in Perth Showdown
Brazilian welterweight star Carlos Prates has declared that his time to shine is now as he prepares to face Perth's own Jack Della Maddalena in a highly anticipated UFC bout. The fight is scheduled to take place at RAC Arena on May 2, with Prates aiming to secure a title shot by defeating the former champion on his home turf.
Prates Eyes Title Opportunity After Perth Fight
Carlos Prates, with a record of 23-7, believes that a victory over Jack Della Maddalena, who holds an 18-3 record, will position him for a championship match against current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. In an interview with The West Australian, Prates expressed his excitement and rigorous training regimen, stating that he trains up to three times daily to prepare for what he expects to be a challenging fight.
"I truly believe after beating Jack that I'm going to get a title shot," Prates said. "I am excited to go to Australia and go to war against him. His striking is really good, and I respect him, but now is my time to shine."
Strategic Approach to the Fight
Known as "The Nightmare," Prates is renowned for his striking skills but plans to leverage his ground game and boxing expertise to challenge Della Maddalena. As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Prates emphasized his versatility, noting that while Della Maddalena is an accomplished fighter, he is confident in his own abilities across all aspects of mixed martial arts.
"I am a better striker, I am better on the ground," Prates asserted. "It's going to be a different fight compared to others, and I'm ready to expose his weaknesses."
Additional Fighters on the Card
The historic fight night at RAC Arena will also feature other West Australian fighters, adding to the local excitement. Quillan Salkilld, with an 11-1 record, will take on Beneil Dariush (23-7), while Steve "Astroboy" Erceg (13-4) will face Tim Elliott (21-13-1). These matchups promise to deliver an action-packed event for MMA fans.
Ticket Information and Event Details
General public tickets for the UFC event will go on sale starting Friday at 11am AWST. Fans can purchase tickets through Tickettek, ensuring they don't miss this thrilling night of fights in Perth. The event marks a significant moment in the UFC calendar, with Prates and Della Maddalena headlining a card that showcases both local and international talent.
As the fight approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a career-defining moment for Carlos Prates, who is determined to prove his worth and step closer to a title shot in the competitive welterweight division.
