Carlos Prates has secured MMA Junkie’s Knockout of the Month award for May 2026 after a punishing late finish of Jack Della Maddalena.
In their UFC clash, Prates stopped Della Maddalena by knockout in Round 3 following multiple knockdowns and a barrage of ground-and-pound. Throughout the bout, Prates repeatedly hurt Della Maddalena with leg kicks, knees, elbows, and body attacks, while Della Maddalena responded with multiple takedowns and even back control at one point but could not find a finish.
The performance stood out from a field of five nominees highlighted by MMA Junkie for May’s Knockout of the Month honors.
Prates, who holds a 24-7 MMA record and a 7-1 mark in the UFC, has made it clear that his ambitions are aimed at the top. He requested a fight with the winner of the expected title bout between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry, and has stated that his goal is to become the first Brazilian UFC welterweight champion.
Della Maddalena, who entered the fight with an 18-4 MMA record and an 8-2 UFC slate, came up short in the high-action matchup that ultimately produced May’s standout knockout.
