What’s next for Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena after UFC Perth?

The UFC was in Perth, Australia, over the weekend for a solid UFC Perth card. In the main event, welterweight contenders threw down as Carlos Prates took on Jack Della Maddalena.

Prates entered the fight on a two-fight winning streak after KO wins over Leon Edwards and Geoff Neal. Della Maddalena was coming off a lopsided decision loss to Islam Makhachev to lose his welterweight title.

Ultimately, it was Prates who scored a third-round TKO over Della Maddalena to make a statement at UFC Perth. Following the event, here is what I think should be next for the welterweight contenders.

Carlos Prates

Carlos Prates was looking to cement himself as a legit title contender at UFC Perth as he went into enemy territory against Jack Della Maddalena. The Brazilian looked good on his feet as he was able to land the more damaging strikes, then in the third round, he dropped Della Maddalena with leg kicks before finishing him with ground-and-pound strikes.

With the win, Prates is firmly in the title picture, but all signs point to Islam Makhachev taking on Ian Machado Garry next. If that fight does happen this summer, Prates could wait to face the winner later this year. But, if Prates wants to remain active, a main event fight against Michael Morales for the No. 1 contender makes a ton of sense.

Jack Della Maddalena

Jack Della Maddalena was looking to get back on track at UFC Perth after losing his welterweight title. However, Della Maddalena suffered a TKO loss at home as he didn’t have many answers for Prates’ leg kicks and power.

With the loss at UFC Perth, Della Maddalena is back to the drawing board and will take a step down in the rankings. A logical next fight for Della Maddalena is to take on Leon Edwards, as both are struggling former welterweight champions who need a win. The winner will be able to get right back in the title picture, while the loser likely becomes a gatekeeper at welterweight.

What do you think should be next for Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena after UFC Perth? Sound off in the comment section, PENN Nation!