Saturday’s UFC Fight Night main event pits rising contender Jack Della Maddalena against dangerous finisher Carlos Prates in what should be a striking-heavy battle.

Della Maddalena’s clean boxing, defensive awareness, and ability to manage pace make him one of the most reliable fighters in the welterweight division. Prates brings legitimate knockout power and a willingness to take risks, which makes him dangerous—but also vulnerable over longer stretches.

Expect Prates to have moments early, but Maddalena’s composure and cardio should allow him to take control as the fight wears on. It all comes down to whether Prates will land what many are calling “The Deathtouch.”

UFC Fight Night Predictions & Picks: Saturday, May 2nd

This card offers a balanced mix of prospects and veterans, giving bettors multiple angles to attack. Fighters with strong fundamentals and cardio tend to shine in these Fight Night matchups, especially in three-round bouts.

 

 

 

Della Maddalena vs. Prates

This matchup is a classic example of volume vs power as Della Maddalena will need to wear on Prates over the course of 25 minutes, while Prates always has that one-punch KO power that can turn the tide of a fight. JDM has gone nearly ten years without being finished, and while he entered the UFC as a finisher, he has gone to decision in four of his last five fights, including fights against lower-level competition like Kevin Holland and Bazel Haffez. Prates is a power puncher, but he has shown an ability to pace himself so he won’t burn out later in fights. If Prates is conserving energy, I can see him getting to a decision even if he is landing the better strikes.

  • Pick: Fight Over 3.5 Rounds -120 (Small bet on JDM Decision +300)

Tai Tuivasa vs Louie Southerland

Tuivasa was once a top-five contender, but he always struggled to keep up with more technical fighters. This was highlighted the most when he fought Cyril Gane and was outstruck 110-29 and Alexander Volkov 93-28. Tuivasa was giving up 5+ inches in reach in those matchups, but he doesn’t have to deal with that here.  Those fights showed he has the durability and willingness to exchange that make him dangerous throughout the entire fight.  Southerland is nowhere near the top 5 in the division, having lost both of his UFC fights in under two minutes against Brando Pericic and Valter Walker, who are sitting outside the top 10. Tuivasa will keep this standing and land a KO on Louie within the first round.

  • Pick: Tuivasa by KO -125 

Salkilld vs Dariush

Quillan Salkilld comes in as a big favorite, but he has one clear path to victory that we can take advantage of.  Salkilld has finished three of his last four fights within the first round, including a 2:30 KO of Nasrat Haqparast, who hadn’t been KO’d in his last ten fights, even though he went to war with Dan Hooker and Bobby Green.  Dariush is coming off a 0:12 second KO against Benoit St Denis and has always had a suspect chin.  Dariush is really good at BJJ, so I expect Quillan to force Dariush back to his feet if he does knock him down.

  • Pick: Quillan Salkilld by KO in R1 +150

How To Bet On My UFC Picks At DraftKings

Placing bets is straightforward with DraftKings:

  1. Sign up or log in to your account 
  2. Head to the UFC or MMA betting section 
  3. Choose your fight and bet type (moneyline, props, totals) 
  4. Enter your stake and confirm your wager 

Prop bets—like method of victory or round totals—can often provide better returns if you have a strong read on how the fight plays out.

 

 

 

How to Watch UFC Fight Night on Paramount+, Della Maddalena vs. Prates Saturday Night

A Paramount+ Account will be needed to watch UFC Fight Night Della Maddalena vs Prates.  Their standard account comes with access to all live UFC events.

Expected Start Times (ET):

  • Prelims: 4:00 AM 
  • Main Card: 7:00 AM 

UFC Fight Night Odds & Score $100 Promo At DraftKings

DraftKings is offering a $100 bonus for new customers.  All you have to do is sign up and place a $5 wager on any sporting event.  Win or lose, you will be given $100 in bonus bets.