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Prates TKO Wins, Secures Title Shot; Salkilld 5-0 Streak

5/3/2026

43 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Prates TKO's Maddalena

Carlos Prates TKO'd Jack Della Maddalena on May 2, 2026 in Perth.
Referee Mike Beltran stopped the bout after Prates' calf kick dropped Maddalena.
The win improved Prates to a 24-7 record and a title shot.
Prates wants to fight the winner of the Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Makhachev bout.
Quillan Salkilld TKO'd Beneil Dariush at 3:39, reaching 5-0 and 12-1 after his February 2026 win.

Summary

Prates Dominates

Carlos Prates delivered a masterclass performance, using elbows and ground-and-pound before the referee stopped the bout.
Maddalena switched to an orthodox stance in the second round to protect his injured lead leg after repeated calf kicks.
The calf kicks visibly damaged Maddalena’s lead leg, forcing him to limp between rounds.
Despite blood covering his face from head strikes, Maddalena continued to attempt takedowns.

History

Historical Context

After the UFC shifted its pay-per-views to ESPN+ in 2019, leg strikes rose in tactical importance. Dustin Poirier, a ten-time Fight-of-the-Night awardee, captured the interim lightweight title at UFC 236, exemplifying the impact of powerful kicks. The growing emphasis on calf and leg attacks now shapes matchmaking and fighter preparation across the organization.

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Prates TKO's Maddalena

Carlos Prates TKO'd Jack Della Maddalena on May 2, 2026 in Perth.
Referee Mike Beltran stopped the bout after Prates' calf kick dropped Maddalena.
The win improved Prates to a 24-7 record and a title shot.
Prates wants to fight the winner of the Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Makhachev bout.
Quillan Salkilld TKO'd Beneil Dariush at 3:39, reaching 5-0 and 12-1 after his February 2026 win.

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