“Don’t Lose Welterweight Title” – New UFC Curse Arises After Jack Della Maddalena Loses to Carlos Prates

Carlos Prates overwhelmed Jack Della Maddalena with brutal strikes, securing a third-round TKO victory in dominant fashion at UFC Perth. The Brazilian dismantled the former champion with relentless pressure and sharp, accurate striking. However, Alex Behunin of MMA Mania highlighted a trend of former welterweight champions losing subsequent fights, pointing to a strange pattern in the division.

According to Alex Behunin, this trend stretches back to when Johny Hendricks’ title run ended against Robbie Lawler at UFC 181. Hendricks went on to lose five of his next seven outings, marking a sharp decline after his reign ended. A similar path followed for Lawler, who endured a string of losses after losing the belt to Tyron Woodley at UFC 201 and struggled to regain consistent momentum.

Woodley has also endured a six-fight losing streak across MMA and boxing since his title loss at UFC 235, reflecting a steep decline. His downfall marked the start of one of the most dominant welterweight reigns in recent history as Kamaru Usman became the new champion. Usman lost his belt to Leon Edwards at UFC 278, then dropped their rematch and later lost to Khamzat Chimaev in his middleweight debut.

Losing the Welterweight title is the worst base in MMA- Hendricks – 3 fight losing (1-5) Lawler – 4 fight losing streak Woodley – 4 fight losing streak Usman – 3 fight losing streak Edwards – 3 fight losing streak Belal – 2 fight losing streak JDM – 2 fight losing streak

Alex Behunin via X

Make sure that you don't lose that UFC welterweight title 🫣

(h/t @AlexBehunin) pic.twitter.com/G7gIlrXAP4

— MMA On Point (@mmaonpoint) May 2, 2026

Edwards then lost to Belal Muhammad and is currently on a three-fight losing streak, marking a sharp downturn in form. He was also knocked out for the first time in his career by Carlos Prates at UFC 322, further highlighting his struggles. Muhammad lost the title in his first defense against Della Maddalena at UFC 315. He then suffered another defeat to Ian Garry at UFC Qatar, further continuing the pattern.

This is where Alex Behunin’s theory gets its latest addition, as Della Maddalena continued the troubling trend after his title loss. Maddalena lost the belt to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 in one of the most one-sided matchups in recent memory. This was expected to change at UFC Perth, but JDM was brutally battered and suffered a third-round knockout at the hands of Prates, extending the pattern.

The pattern outlined in Behunin’s theory continues to raise questions about the aftermath of losing the welterweight title and its impact on fighters’ careers. All eyes are now on Islam Makhachev, who is rumored to return against Garry for his first title defense at UFC 330 in August 2026. It remains to be seen if the Dagestani phenom can avoid this trend and establish a new era of dominance at 170 pounds.

Islam Makhachev’s hilarious reaction to Carlos Prates knocking out Jack Della Maddalena

Carlos Prates is known for his habits outside the cage that often set him apart from the strict discipline followed by most UFC fighters. The Brazilian star has built a reputation as an avid smoker and party enthusiast, embracing a lifestyle rarely associated with elite competition. In the lead-up to UFC 322 fight week, he was also seen indulging in sweet treats, further highlighting his unconventional approach.

These habits were again in full flow around UFC 322, where Islam Makhachev, who was competing for the title, noticed Carlos Prates eating Nutella pancakes just a week before his fight against Leon Edwards. The moment stood out given the usual expectations of strict dieting. The Dagestani champion recently revisited it humorously while congratulating ‘The Nightmare’ for his win over Jack Della Maddalena.

Good job Nutella cake #ufcperth

Islam Makhachev via X

Good job Nutella cake #ufcperth

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 2, 2026

Prates also confirmed that Islam Makhachev is expected to face Ian Garry next after winning the title last month. He made his ambitions clear by targeting the winner of that matchup as his next goal. With momentum on his side, Prates has placed himself firmly in the welterweight title picture. The division now awaits how this potential clash shapes the next title challenger.

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