Carlos Prates defeated Jack Della Maddalena via knockout in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Perth, Australia [1].

The victory positions Prates as a serious contender for a welterweight title shot while removing a former champion from the top of the rankings [3, 2].

Prates entered the bout with a clear objective for the fight. "I will knock him out," Prates said [3]. He delivered on that promise during the event, which took place on Saturday in May 2024 [1, 2].

The fight concluded in the third round with a TKO finish [5]. While some reports noted the finish occurred in less than three full rounds [1], the official result remains a third-round stoppage [5]. This result marks a significant shift in the welterweight division's landscape, especially given the high stakes for both fighters.

Prates sought a dominant win to propel himself toward a championship opportunity [3]. Della Maddalena, a former welterweight champion, was fighting to defend his ranking and maintain his position among the elite of the division [2].

The event in Perth served as a critical crossroads for both athletes. Prates managed to enter what some described as a "flow state" to secure the stoppage [4]. This win validates Prates' striking capabilities on a global stage and puts the UFC matchmakers in a position to consider him for top-tier matchups in the coming months [4].

“"I will knock him out."”

This result disrupts the current welterweight hierarchy by removing a former champion from the top tier of the rankings. By securing a TKO victory over a high-ranking opponent, Prates has transitioned from a prospect to a legitimate title contender, forcing the UFC to re-evaluate the matchmaking order for the 170-pound division.