Renato Moicano explains Carlos Prates' situation and suggests a loudmouth or former champion as his next opponents

Renato Moicano e Carlos Prates are Brazilian highlights in the UFC. Photo: Super Lutas Montage

After an injury, of the opponent, delay the possible access of Carlos Prates to the top 10 welterweights (up to 77kg), a big question has arisen among MMA fans: who will be the Brazilian's new opponent? However, Renato Moicano already has an answer to this question.

In a video published on his YouTube channel, Moicano pointed out two possibilities to explain why the UFC did not find a replacement to face Prates, since Geoff neal got injured. For the Brazilian, either no ranked fighter accepted the challenge with only two weeks of preparation, or the Ultimate chose not to put him against just any opponent.

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"The Geoff neal got hurt, but why didn't they find a replacement? There are two clear options here, my brother. The first is that no ranked player agreed to fight the Carlos Prates with two weeks notice, which is quite plausible. This brings us to the second question: could they put an unranked player in to keep the Carlos Prates No. UFC 314, but why didn't they do that? The UFC doesn't want him to fight an unranked fighter because they love him Carlos Prates and he won’t put just anyone in.”, said Moicano.

Moicano bets on Covington or Usman as Carlos Prates' new opponents

Carlos Prates e Colby covington are UFC highlights. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

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Without a defined opponent, Moicano believes that Carlos Prates will face Colby covington ou Kamaru Usman, as both are without a fight and have lost relevance in the UFC scene.

“Looking at how the category is, I'll tell you what the next fight is Carlos Prates. If it is not against the Colby covington, who lost in December and is without fight and relevance, will be against Kamaru Usman. The UFC knows that the two are no longer relevant and will no longer be champions, which is why they are completely revamping the category.”, concluded the fighter from Brasília.

Signed through the Contender Series, Carlos Prates debuted in the UFC in February 2024 and, in his first year in the organization, he achieved four knockout victories, securing his place in the top 15 of the category by overcoming Neil Magny in his last fight. The Brazilian would have the opportunity to consolidate his position against Geoff neal, but the American suffered an injury and had to leave the fight. So far, no official information has been released about the Fighting Nerds representative's next opponent.