Carlos Prates rapidly gained popularity in the welterweight division, securing four bonus-winning knockouts in 2024. He is emerging as a strong contender for a title shot in the UFC, especially leading up to his main event clash with Ian Machado Garry at UFC Kansas City on April 26.
“I don’t think [a title shot] is immediately next, but I think this win gets me very close to the belt,” Prates stated. “After this fight, after defeating Ian Garry, I believe one more bout, possibly against someone like Sean Brady or Leon Edwards, or the fighter who loses the match between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, would position me for the title.”
Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena are scheduled to headline UFC 315 on May 10 to determine the next in line for the belt. The title picture could become more intricate if lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev (a friend of Muhammad), chooses to move up and challenge Della Maddalena should he emerge victorious.
However, the prospect of a delay in challenging for UFC gold does not seem to bother the Fighting Nerds fighter.
“I’m not in a hurry,” Prates commented. “What is meant to happen, will happen. I am confident I will become champion one day, so it’s perfectly fine. On one hand, the wait can cause anxiety, but on the other, it is beneficial. The longer it takes for me to reach the belt, the more prepared and experienced I will be when the opportunity to fight for the title arises.”
Prates was initially slated to face Geoff Neal at UFC 312 on April 12, but Neal withdrew due to injury just days before the event. Instead of that booking, Prates is now headlining a UFC Fight Night event in Kansas City against a more highly-ranked opponent. He had previously fought in a main event capacity against Magny in November, but that bout took place at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.
“It was crazy,” Prates remarked regarding the changes. “I was disappointed upon hearing the news [about Neal`s injury]. While unfortunate that Geoff Neal was injured, the situation actually improved for me because I am now in a main event, which offers better compensation as it’s a five-round fight. I was initially set to fight the No. 10 ranked fighter, and now it’s the No. 7. I’ve already competed on a pay-per-view card once in Australia, and now I’ll get to experience headlining an event in Kansas.”
Garry represents Chute Boxe Diego Lima, a gym situated only 11 miles from Prates` own Fighting Nerds team. Despite some online exchanges between the two, Prates maintains there is no genuine rivalry between the two São Paulo-based camps.
When the cage door closes, Prates intends to finish the fight before the final bell. While Garry secured a decision victory against decorated striker Michael Page in June 2024, Prates doubts their striking styles are comparable.
Prates explained, “I prefer the knockout because it makes getting the bonus easier. However, I also train jiu-jitsu and hold a black belt, so if he makes a mistake, there`s pressure from all angles, my friend. I`m unsure how proficient Michael Page`s jiu-jitsu is. I watched a grappling match he had [against Carlos Condit] and it appeared quite basic, even poor. Michael Page is an excellent striker and difficult to fight due to his awkward style, but his jiu-jitsu is subpar.”
“I anticipate a clash of styles,” Prates continued. “Ian Garry typically takes fights to the judges` scorecards, seemingly in no rush. In contrast, I enjoy knocking people out; I enter the cage thinking about securing the bonus. I like to finish fights. It will be intriguing to see this difference in approaches. He will undoubtedly try to grapple with me; nobody doubts that. It will be a contest. He`ll likely feint striking exchanges to close the distance and try to take his back, but I am prepared to defend and engage on the feet to beat him soundly.”
