UFC Ranking: Carlos Prates becomes top-3 after knockout of former champion and gets closer to a title shot.

Prates promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Carlos Prates He continues to impress on his journey to the top of the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg). UFC Perth, event held last Saturday (2), in Australia, the Brazilian put on a show in the octagon, punished the former champion Jack Della Maddalena and knocked him out in the third round. Due to the performance and the important result, the member of the 'Fighting Nerds' academy was rewarded in the weekly ranking update released by the company this Tuesday (5), entering the top-3.

Before taking action in UFC Perth 116, Prates was ranked fifth in the highly competitive welterweight division. Now, after shining in the main event, the Brazilian has gained three positions and become the number two welterweight, behind only the champion. Islam makhachev quality Ian Gary, his only nemesis in the company. Therefore, the athlete, with three consecutive victories, is getting closer and closer to competing for the belt.

See too

Intimate enemy! Carlos Prates accepts offer from his tormentor Ian Garry and details their special relationship in the UFC: 'I didn't like that'

Not worried at all! Carlos Pras downplays champion Makhachev's strong point and guarantees he has a solution to win.

Carlos Prates rules out fight against undefeated destroyer and claims he's the next to challenge for the UFC belt.

Della Maddalena in a photo shoot. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

On the other hand, Della Maddalena is going through a delicate moment in his career and is in freefall. With his second consecutive defeat, the former Australian champion dropped three positions in the ranking, becoming the fourth-ranked player.

Promising star reaches the elite level.

Salkilld celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

UFC sensation, Quillan Salkilld also shined in UFC PerthPlaying at home, the Australian delighted the fans and confirmed his status as favorite by knocking out his opponent. Beneil Dariush In the first round. With his fifth consecutive victory, the athlete entered the top 15 of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and is now in 12th place.

Yes, Beneil DariushWith two consecutive first-round knockout losses, he dropped two spots in the division's rankings. The veteran is now ranked number 14, meaning he is close to leaving the elite lightweight division.

Adesanya's friend in the top 15

Pericic promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

In the heavyweight category (up to 120,2 kg), Brando Pericic made his name in UFC PerthThe Australian took on the fight against Shamil Gaziev at the last minute and was rewarded for his audacity. His friend and training partner Israel adesanya He knocked out his opponent in the second round. Undefeated in the company with two good wins, the ''Bear of the Balkans' joined the elite of the traditional division, reaching the 15th position. With two consecutive knockout losses, the Bahraini fell out of the top 15.

Astroboy It's top 10.

Erceg focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

The flyweight division (up to 57 kg) also saw changes. Fighting at home, Steve Erceg, former title challenger in the category, went through Tim Elliott By unanimous decision, he secured his second consecutive victory. With this strong record, 'Astroboy' gained two positions in the ranking and returned to the top 10, as number ten. With the defeat, the veteran American, who also competed for the title, dropped one place in the ranking table, becoming the 12th ranked player.