Summary
Prates backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/thenightmare_170
Facing a former champion for the first time at UFC 322, Carlos Prates seeks to establish himself as the top contender for the number one contender spot in the intense welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg). To achieve this, the São Paulo native believes that a simple victory against Leon Edwards may not be enough to jump the queue. Therefore, he aims to be the first fighter to knock out the Englishman.
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According to the Brazilian in an interview with the UFC, even though there are other athletes ahead in the division's rankings, the brutality of his victories can make all the difference in securing better opportunities.
“If I knock out Leon convincingly, like I did in my last fight, I’ll be the next title challenger. I agree that there are guys ranked higher than me, but people pay to see blood and violence, to see someone get knocked out, not to watch someone hugging for 25 minutes straight,” said Prates, who could become part of the top 5 if he wins.
Carlos Prates believes a big finish over Leon Edwards could catapult him into title contention #UFC322
"If I knock Leon out in a good way, like I did in my last fight, I'm going to be the next contender for the title. I also agree that there are guys ranked higher than me, but… pic.twitter.com/GhMW5nZuEN
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 12, 2025
Carlos Prates is coming off a victory with a cinematic knockout.
The Fighting Nerds star bounced back from his loss to Ian Garry with a big win at UFC 319, knocking out Geoff Neal with a spinning elbow at the end of the first round. Like Edwards, the American had never been knocked out as a professional.
Carlos Prates defeated Geoff Neal at UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/X.
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