Carlos Prates shows no concern about Islam Makhachev 's takedown game in a possible UFC confrontation. Riding a three-fight knockout streak, the Fighting Nerds smoker emerges as one of the main candidates to challenge for the belt next. While the Russian prepares to face Ian Garry at UFC 330 , scheduled for next Saturday (15), the Brazilian is already planning the challenge and indicates what would be his biggest point of attention against the champion.
During his appearance on the program 'Bola da Vez', Prates stated that, despite the expectation of trying to keep the fight standing, he considers it practically inevitable that the duel will go to the ground. The fighter highlighted that many athletes worry excessively only about defending takedowns, but, in his view, the most decisive factor is the ability to return to the fight standing after being taken down.
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“I’ll try to stay standing, but I’m sure he’ll take me down. People get too caught up in takedown defense. But I think the most important thing is how you stay standing… So this fight will definitely go to the ground. But I don’t see many guys staying standing with him,” said Carlos Prates.
The Brazilian also reinforced his respect for the champion, but dismissed any idea of unassailable superiority. According to Prates, Makhachev is not unbeatable, and he believes there is a way to neutralize his dominance and keep the fight standing.
“Of course you have to respect him, he’s a champion, number 1 pound-for-pound, but he’s not from another world. It’s impossible that he can’t stay on his feet,” Prates concluded, adding the Fighting Nerds smoker.
Carlos Prates is a standout in the UFC welterweight division.
Carlos Prates reached the top of the welterweight division (up to 77 kg) supported by an impressive record in the UFC. The Brazilian has seven wins in the organization, all achieved by knockout, a performance that has placed him among the top names in the category. This finishing power also made the São Paulo native the second-highest record holder in the number of knockdowns in the history of welterweights within the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Beyond his striking power, Prates stands out for the frequency with which he receives awards after his performances. In eight fights in the UFC, the Fighting Nerds representative has earned seven 'Performance of the Night' bonuses. The Brazilian also boasts impressive numbers in other areas, with over 54% accuracy on significant strikes and a 77% takedown defense.
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