Carlos Prates has rapidly emerged as a compelling force in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) welterweight division. Known for his explosive striking power and relentless fighting style, the Brazilian mixed martial artist, nicknamed “The Nightmare,” has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
This comprehensive article delves into the career trajectory of Carlos Prates, providing a detailed look at his background, fighting style, key fights, recent trends, and future prospects in the competitive landscape of the UFC.
Who is Carlos Prates? A Deep Dive into His Background
Carlos Augusto Monteiro Prates was born on August 17, 1993, in Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil. Growing up in a challenging environment, Prates found solace and direction through martial arts.
At the age of 15, his mother introduced him to Muay Thai at the renowned Vale Top Team, hoping it would instill discipline and focus in his life. This early exposure to “the art of eight limbs” laid the foundation for his striking prowess that would later become his hallmark in mixed martial arts (MMA).
After four years of dedicated Muay Thai training, Prates transitioned to MMA in 2012, marking the beginning of his professional fighting career. His initial years in the sport were marked by inconsistency as he navigated weight classes and refined his training regimen. Competing in unsuitable weight categories and lacking a structured approach led to a mixed record of 5 wins and 4 losses in his first nine fights.
A pivotal moment in Prates’ development came with an extended training stint in Thailand, the birthplace of Muay Thai. This immersion in a rigorous and disciplined environment honed his striking skills and provided invaluable experience in the nuances of the sport. After his return, Prates showed better technique and combat IQ as he started to settle in.
Before joining the UFC, Prates built a significant record fighting across various Asian MMA promotions, including China’s Chin Woo Men and Thailand’s Full Metal Dojo.
A notable victory during this period was against Yousef Wehbe at Full Metal Dojo 8 in 2016, where he secured a win via a rear-naked choke. He further gained recognition through his participation in ONE Championship’s Warrior Series in 2019, achieving victories against fighters like Gunther Kalunda.
By the time he received an invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), Prates had amassed a record of 15 wins and 6 losses. His performance on DWCS in August 2023, where he delivered a second-round TKO victory over Mitch Ramirez, earned him a coveted UFC contract.
The Fighting Style of “The Nightmare”: A Striking Force
Carlos Prates’ fighting style is primarily rooted in his extensive Muay Thai background. He is a dynamic and powerful striker, known for his aggressive forward pressure, heavy hands, and devastating knockout power. His southpaw stance allows him to generate significant force with his lead hand and leg, often catching opponents off guard.
Key elements of Prates’ striking game include:
Powerful Punches: Prates possesses knockout power in both hands, frequently utilizing combinations and powerful single shots to overwhelm his opponents. His record of 16 wins by knockout (76% of his total wins) speaks volumes about his striking ability.
Devastating Kicks: His Muay Thai foundation is evident in his diverse kicking arsenal, including powerful leg kicks, body kicks, and head kicks. He frequently sets up his punches, controls distance, and throws off his opponent’s rhythm with kicks.
Elbows and Knees: While less frequently showcased in his recent UFC fights, his Muay Thai training would have equipped him with effective elbow and knee strikes, particularly in the clinch.
Aggressive Pressure: Prates typically looks to move forward and engage, putting his opponents on the back foot and forcing them to react to his attacks.
Improving Ground Game: While his striking is his primary weapon, Prates also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, indicating a developing ground game. He has secured three wins by submission in his career, showcasing his ability to finish fights on the mat when the opportunity arises.
Recent Trends in Prates’ Approach (as of 2025):
In his relatively short UFC career, Prates has shown a consistent tendency to look for the finish. Four of his five UFC fights have ended in knockouts, earning him four “Performance of the Night” bonuses. His fight against Ian Machado Garry in April 2025 was the first time he went the distance in the UFC, resulting in a unanimous decision loss.
This fight highlighted areas for potential development, particularly in managing distance against a technical striker over five rounds.
Statistics from his UFC fights reveal a high striking accuracy of around 54% and a significant strikes landed per minute rate of approximately 3.60. He also demonstrates a solid takedown defense of 83%, indicating his ability to keep the fight standing where he has a clear advantage.
Key Fights and Moments in Carlos Prates’ UFC Journey
Carlos Prates’ UFC career, though young, has been marked by several significant fights and memorable moments:
UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Pyfer (February 10, 2024): Prates made his UFC debut against Trevin Giles and delivered a stunning second-round knockout victory with a powerful punch. This performance earned him his first “Performance of the Night” bonus and announced his arrival in the welterweight division in emphatic fashion.
UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Imavov (June 8, 2024): In his second UFC outing, Prates faced Charles Radtke and secured another impressive first-round knockout with a knee to the body. This swift and decisive win further solidified his reputation as a dangerous finisher and earned him another “Performance of the Night” bonus.
UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya (August 17, 2024): Facing a more experienced opponent in Li Jingliang, Prates showcased his striking prowess once again, securing a second-round knockout with punches. This victory in a high-profile event earned him his third consecutive “Performance of the Night” bonus and propelled him into the welterweight rankings.
UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Prates (November 9, 2024): Headlining his first UFC event against veteran Neil Magny, Prates continued his knockout streak with a first-round finish via punches. This dominant performance earned him his fourth “Performance of the Night” bonus and further elevated his status as a rising star in the division, placing him at #13 in the UFC welterweight rankings as of November 2024.
UFC on ESPN: Machado Garry vs. Prates (April 26, 2025): In his first main event, Prates faced the highly-regarded Ian Machado Garry. Despite a late rally in the final rounds, Prates lost via unanimous decision, marking his first defeat in the UFC. This fight served as a valuable learning experience against a top contender.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Fighters Inspired by Carlos Prates
Carlos Prates’ journey offers valuable insights for aspiring mixed martial artists:
Develop a Strong Striking Base: Prates’ success is heavily reliant on his Muay Thai foundation. Dedicate significant time to mastering fundamental striking techniques, footwork, and defensive maneuvers. Consider training in traditional striking arts like Muay Thai or kickboxing to build a solid base.
Cultivate Knockout Power: Prates’ ability to finish fights with strikes is a major asset. Focus on developing power through proper technique, core strength, and explosive movements. Incorporate heavy bag work, pad work, and sparring to hone your striking power.
Embrace Discipline and Consistency: Prates’ early career struggles highlight the importance of a disciplined training regimen. Establish a consistent training schedule that includes striking, grappling, strength and conditioning, and recovery.
Seek High-Level Training: Training with experienced coaches and skilled training partners is crucial for growth. Prates trains with Vale Top Team and the Fighting Nerds, both reputable teams that have contributed to his development.
Learn from Setbacks: Prates’ initial inconsistent record and his recent loss to Ian Machado Garry demonstrate that setbacks are part of the journey. Analyze your losses, identify areas for improvement, and use them as motivation to evolve.
Develop a Well-Rounded Game: While Prates is primarily a striker, his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt underscores the importance of developing grappling skills. A well-rounded fighter can adapt to different fight scenarios and exploit weaknesses on the ground.
Maintain Mental Fortitude: The mental aspect of fighting is just as important as the physical. Cultivate mental toughness, focus, and resilience to overcome challenges and perform under pressure. Techniques like visualization and meditation can be beneficial.
Stay Active and Seek Opportunities: Prates gained valuable experience by fighting in various promotions before reaching the UFC. Stay active, seek out fights, and use each opportunity to learn and improve.
Listen to Your Coaches: Experienced coaches provide invaluable guidance and expertise. Trust their advice and be receptive to feedback to accelerate your development.
Live Like an Athlete: As Prates mentioned, focusing on living “as an athlete” encompasses nutrition, recovery, and a lifestyle conducive to peak performance. Prioritize these aspects to maximize your potential.
The Future of Carlos Prates in the UFC Welterweight Division
Despite his recent loss to Ian Machado Garry, Carlos Prates remains a significant prospect in the UFC welterweight division. His explosive knockout power makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the top 15. Moving forward, several factors will be crucial for his continued ascent:
Developing His Overall Game: While his striking is elite, further development of his wrestling and ground game will make him a more complete and adaptable fighter against a wider range of opponents.
Strategic Evolution: Learning from his fight against Machado Garry, Prates will need to refine his strategy against technical strikers who can exploit his aggression. Incorporating more patience and varied striking approaches could be beneficial.
Consistency Against Top Competition: To break into the upper echelon of the division, Prates needs to demonstrate consistent success against top-ranked fighters.
Maintaining His Finishing Instinct: His knockout power remains his biggest threat. Continuing to hone his striking and find opportunities to finish fights will be key to his success.
Recent Trends in the Welterweight Division (as of 2025):
The welterweight division remains one of the most competitive in the UFC. Recent trends include:
Dominance of Well-Rounded Fighters: Champions and top contenders typically possess a strong blend of striking, wrestling, and submission skills.
Emphasis on Athleticism and Speed: The modern welterweight is often characterized by exceptional athleticism, speed, and agility.
Strategic Matchmaking: The UFC often matches rising contenders against established veterans to test their readiness for the top level.
Increased Focus on Fight IQ: Fighters are increasingly relying on strategic game plans and in-fight adjustments to gain an edge.
Carlos Prates has the potential to be a significant player in this landscape. His exciting fighting style and knockout power make him a fan favorite, and with continued development, he could certainly climb the rankings and potentially challenge for the title in the future.
FAQ
Who is Carlos Prates and what is his fighting background?
Carlos Augusto Monteiro Prates is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC’s welterweight division. He has a strong background in Muay Thai, holding a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has a professional MMA record of 21 wins and 7 losses as of May 2025.
What is Carlos Prates known for in his fighting style?
Prates is primarily known for his explosive striking power and aggressive Muay Thai-based style. He has a high knockout ratio, with 16 of his 21 wins coming by way of knockout. He is a southpaw fighter with heavy hands and powerful kicks.
What are some of Carlos Prates’ key achievements in his MMA career?
Key achievements include winning the SFT Welterweight Championship and the SFT Xtreme Welterweight Championship before joining the UFC. In the UFC, he has earned four “Performance of the Night” bonuses and was recognized as a top newcomer of 2024 by multiple MMA media outlets.
What was the outcome of Carlos Prates’ most recent fight?
Carlos Prates’ most recent fight was on April 26, 2025, at UFC on ESPN: Machado Garry vs. Prates, where he lost via unanimous decision to Ian Machado Garry.
Final Thoughts
Carlos Prates has made a significant impact on the UFC welterweight division in a short period. His thrilling knockout victories and aggressive fighting style have quickly established him as a fighter to watch.
While his recent loss to Ian Machado Garry presents a setback, it also offers valuable lessons for his continued development. With his proven finishing ability and the guidance of his experienced team, “The Nightmare” has the potential to overcome this hurdle and continue his ascent in one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes.
The future of Carlos Prates in the UFC remains bright, and fight fans can undoubtedly look forward to more exciting performances from this dynamic Brazilian talent.
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