MMA DFS and Betting Breakdown: UFC Fight Night - Della Maddalena vs. Prates

by Liam Heslin (LiamPicksFights) Last Updated 2026-05-01 02:02:20 Premium Content Part of the product MMA Premium

Morales of the UFC

Liam Heslin (aka LiamPicksFights) is a massive combat sports fan with over a decade of experience competing in wrestling and grappling martial arts. For each UFC event, he produces the MMA DFS and sports betting breakdown for RotoGrinders. Read below for his in-depth analysis on UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates.

After a fight card at the Apex in Las Vegas with a record-tying number of decisions, the combat sports leader is back in front of a live arena in Perth, Western Australia. There are no WMMA bouts, there are several binary style clashes, and there are a lot of fighters with poor striking defense. Dare I say that I expect a violent weekend? The main event is as good as it gets for a fight night, with former champion Jack Della Maddalena looking for a bounce-back win after his title was taken unceremoniously by Islam Makhachev over 5 dominant rounds. Far from a lay up, he gets to defend home soil against the highly dangerous Brazilian knockout artist Carlos Prates. From the first bell to the main event, local talent will be on display as Oceania’s best take center stage.

Note: All DFS salaries listed are from DraftKings & all odds quoted are from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Editor’s Note: Analysis of remaining fights is coming soon!

UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates – MMA DFS Picks & Betting Breakdown

Kody Steele ($8,800) vs. Dom Mar Fan ($7,400)

Fight Odds: -210 Steele vs, +168 Fan
Weight Class: 155lb. (Lightweight)

Kody Steele (0-1 UFC) lost a 3×30-27 unanimous decision in his UFC debut against Rongzhu (3-3 UFC), a veteran of 30+ professional fights. Now he gets a second chance at a first impression against Australian “Street Buddha” Dom Mar Fan (UFC Debut). Although this is technically Fan’s first fight under the UFC banner, he earned his contract on the UFC 325 prelims by winning the Road to UFC Lightweight Tournament.

Kody Steele comes from a high-level competitive grappling background, but he has not proven very effective as a grappler in mixed martial arts competition. Between his UFC debut and his DWCS appearance, Steele has attempted 7 takedowns, securing just 1 and accruing only 0:20 combined seconds of control time. Instead, Steele has been making his living as a striker, earning wins via KO in 4 of his 7 professional wins. Like a lot of developmental fighters, Steele has potent offense, but his defense remains lacking. He relies on his toughness and durability rather than sophisticated head movement or a disciplined guard. Rongzhu set a personal significant strike record of 125 landed against Steele while absorbing just 59 strikes in return over 15 minutes. Chasen Blair was even with Steele on significant strikes (48) when he was stopped via knockout in round 2. Steele needs to show improved defensive responsibility or more reliable control if he wants to comfortably win UFC fights.

Dom Mar Fan has only lost to co-main eventer Quillan Salkilld (4-0 UFC; 11-1 Pro), succumbing to a rear naked choke in both encounters (the first loss in round 3, the second loss in round 2). Despite his struggles on the floor against Salkilld, he has a 3-2 record to the submission prop (Steele just 1-0 despite his jiu jitsu credentials). The path for victory in this fight is likely to sprawl and brawl and use his length and his straight shots to exploit Steele’s porous defense. He can also try to mix in takedowns of his own, attack the calf, or force a grinding cage push. “Street Buddha” has only been stopped with strikes once, seven years ago as an amateur (2019). Steele doesn’t seem to me like a great minute winner at the UFC level because he hasn’t been able to rack up takedowns, control time, or volume. He is relying on finding the KO shot. Fan could get clipped by the power and speed of Steele, but he has 2 inches of height and 5 inches in reach to fight behind. He should put out more volume over 15 minutes, he should have the support of the local crowd, and he has shown the ability to control every opponent throughout RTUFC for 3+ minutes at a time. “Street Buddha” has a tough fight ahead of him, but I believe he can win it.

Prediction: Dom Mar Fan defeats Kody Steele via DEC

Jonathan Micallef ($9,200) vs. Themba Gorimbo ($7,000)

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