Imagine a UFC fighter knocking out a former champion in front of a roaring New York crowd, only to find his path to the title throne littered with intriguing detours and high-stakes decisions. That's the exhilarating spot Carlos Prates finds himself in now, and if you're into mixed martial arts, you won't want to miss how this Brazilian sensation is navigating the welterweight landscape. But here's where it gets controversial: who he wants to face next could spark debates among fight fans everywhere!
Based in São Paulo, Carlos Prates, affectionately dubbed 'The Nightmare,' made a bold statement by defeating ex-UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards via knockout at Madison Square Garden back in November. Naturally, this victory has him clamoring for a crack at the current titleholder, Islam Makhachev. Yet, he knows the competition for that prestigious matchup is fierce—think of it like a crowded line for the hottest ticket in town. If the UFC doesn't slot him in right away, Prates has a Plan B opponent ready: the talented Jack Della Maddalena.
During an exclusive chat with MMA Fighting on November 30, right in the midst of a Corinthians soccer match—after taking a stadium tour and mingling with the players before their exciting Brasileirão showdown against Botafogo—Prates opened up about his preferences. 'If Kamaru Usman ends up challenging for the belt, I figure I'll need to squeeze in one more bout,' he shared thoughtfully. 'But if Usman isn't the one, I reckon it'll be my turn.' For those new to UFC politics, Usman is a legendary figure in the 170-pound division, often hailed as one of the greatest ever due to his dominance and technical skill. He's only notched one win since 2021—a solid rebound over Joaquin Buckley after back-to-back losses to Khamzat Chimaev and Edwards (two tough defeats)—while Makhachev recently clinched the championship with a commanding performance against Della Maddalena.
Prates holds onto optimism that he could square off against Makhachev for UFC gold in 2026, but he's realistic about the complexities. 'There are plenty of factors at play,' he explained, pointing out that both Makhachev and Usman share the same management team, which often influences matchmaking in promotions like UFC. Usman, as Prates sees him, is the pinnacle of the division. 'Whatever unfolds, I'm cool with it,' he added. 'If the title fight doesn't come next, I'll handle one more scrap and then step up.'
And this is the part most people miss—Prates isn't betting on an easy victory for Makhachev in a hypothetical clash with Usman. 'I don't see Usman pulling off the win,' he predicted, highlighting the champion's strength. Regardless, Prates is brimming with confidence that he'll be vying for the welterweight crown by 2026. To illustrate, think of UFC events like numbered cards—these are the promotion's main shows (as opposed to preliminary ones), often headlining major stadiums and drawing huge crowds.
'We're aiming for April, on a numbered card in Las Vegas,' Prates proposed as an ideal timeline for his potential showdown with Della Maddalena. 'He's fresh off losing the title, so taking him down and catapulting straight to the championship is the goal. By mid-next year, we'll be right there.' This strategy makes sense for beginners: beating a recent challenger like Maddalena could solidify Prates' momentum and position him as the next logical contender, much like how past fighters have used stepping-stone wins to climb the ranks.
Prates' triumph over Edwards at UFC 322 boosted his record to an impressive 6-1 within the organization, with every win coming via knockout—a testament to his explosive power. It also earned him a hefty $50,000 performance bonus, a nice reward for standout moments in the octagon. Interestingly, he rated his own victory a solid nine out of ten, showing self-awareness in a sport where reflection is key.
Even his personal life adds a touching layer: his mother, Regina, was supportive yet critical. 'She had faith in the fight, but she wasn't thrilled about Edwards getting my back,' Prates recalled with a chuckle. 'Afterward, I texted her my usual thanks for her support, and she replied, 'Nice, but I didn't care for that back control, nope.'' It's a relatable glimpse into how family can offer unfiltered feedback, adding depth to the fighter's story.
Now, here's where the controversy heats up: Is picking Jack Della Maddalena as a 'must-have' opponent a genius move or a risky gamble? Some fans might argue it sets up a flashy rematch vibe for Maddalena, while others could see it as Prates dodging tougher tests. And what about Prates' bold prediction that Usman can't beat Makhachev—does that stem from loyalty to the champ, or is it a savvy read on their styles? Do you think the UFC should prioritize Prates for the title next, or is Usman's legacy too hard to ignore? Share your takes in the comments below—let's debate: agree with Prates' path, or do you have a different fighter in mind for his next step?
