Carlos Prates expresses controversial opinion on the fight between Popó and Wanderlei Silva: 'It's better to be the villain'

Carlos Prates is a Brazilian standout in the UFC. Photo: Instagram / Carlos Prates

Carlos Prates presented an opinion, at the very least, controversial regarding the widespread fighting between the teams of Acelino Popo e Wanderlei Silva at Spaten Fight Night 2, held last Saturday (27). After the announcement of the disqualification of the 'Mad Dog', the veterans' corners went up to the ring and started a confusion, which, for the representative of Fighting Nerds, was a natural consequence of the atmosphere created throughout the event.

In a video published on Instagram stories, Carlos Prates commented on the incident and stated that the fight was the result of a provocative environment. He believes that such situations occur in various contexts, such as football, bars, or even traffic, and the world of fighting is no different.

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"It's a fight, the guys were sniping at each other for a long time, and a fight broke out, as it does in many places. It happens in football, it happens in bars, it happens in traffic... and fighting is no different. Tempers are high, and everyone is right. There's no right or wrong... And besides, there are no rules to fighting, brother. When you get into a fight, you have to be ready for anything," he said. Carlos Prates.

The athlete also defended the attitude of Popó's children and Wanderlei Silva, who entered the ring to participate in the conflict. According to him, both were right to try to help their parents in the midst of the confusion, even if the outcome got out of control.

“Popo’s son went in there to help his father. His father was fighting with Wanderlei Silva, brother. And vice versa, Wanderlei's son also stepped in to help his father. They're both right to help their parents in the fight. Whether it was right to have the fight or not, I don't know... it wasn't supposed to happen, but since it did, now it's up to each person to handle their own case," continued the 'Nightmare'.

Despite this, Prates acknowledged that it would be best to avoid this type of situation. He believes no one involved is completely innocent, as everyone was provoking each other before the altercation. Still, he made it clear that, in the event of a confrontation, it's better to assert oneself than to play the victim.

"The best thing is not to fight... it's not right to fight, but since it happened, no one there is a saint. Everyone was already provoking each other. And the rule is: there are no rules when fighting... That's it. Don't fight, and if you do fight, it's better to be the villain than the crybaby," he concluded. Carlos Prates.

Check out the videos of the all-out brawl between Popó and Wanderlei Silva's teams

simply the biggest generalized beating after the Popó x fight Wanderlei Silva

what madnesspic.twitter.com/heV17G0uLN

— Central do Braga (@CentralDoBrega) September 28, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: ANOTHER ANGLE OF THE CONFUSION BETWEEN WANDERLEI SILVA X POPÓ! EVEN WERDUM JOINED THE FIGHT! WHAT CHAOS! #SpatenFightNight2 pic.twitter.com/IgaMcUiT1x

— Igor Ribeiro (@igorribeiromma) September 28, 2025

O Wanderlei Silva was knocked out

After the fight is already over

pic.twitter.com/y2GqG1P38S

— CFD – Football and Fantasy (@CFD_Oficial) September 28, 2025

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