Carlos Prates promises an unprecedented title for Brazil with a brutal finish against Islam Makhachev in the UFC.

Prates celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Carlos Prates believes he will be the first Brazilian to win the UFC welterweight title (up to 77 kg). After Islam Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330 , the Fighting Nerds fighter became the favorite to receive the next opportunity to compete for the title. Confident, the Brazilian promises a brutal finish if the fight is confirmed.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Carlos Prates stated that he is convinced he can knock out Makhachev and emphasized that he intends to win the belt not only for himself, but also for his coaches and for Brazilians. The athlete envisioned a victory that, according to him, could transform the lives of everyone around him and bring the welterweight title back to Brazil.

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“I know I’m going to knock him out. I promise. I promise everyone. I promise the people in Brazil, I promise my coach… we’re going to change everyone’s lives, and I’m going to bring that belt back to Brazil,” said Carlos Prates.

Brazil has never had a champion in the welterweight division.

Despite being one of the most traditional countries in UFC history, Brazil has never managed to produce a champion in the welterweight division. This is because, of the six Brazilians who have competed for the title in this category, all have ended up being defeated inside the octagon.

• Jorge Patino Macaco (1999)He was the first Brazilian to attempt a title in the division (which at the time was called lightweight). He faced the inaugural champion Pat Miletich at UFC 18, but ended up losing by unanimous decision.
• André Pederneiras (1999): The legendary leader of the Nova União team faced the same Pat Miletich months later at UFC 21. The fight was stopped by the doctor in the second round due to a cut, resulting in a technical knockout in favor of the American.
• Thiago 'Pitbull' Alves (2009): Now a coach at American Top Team, the fighter challenged Georges St-Pierre for the title at the historic UFC 100. The fighter from Ceará was ultimately defeated by the Canadian via unanimous decision after five dominant rounds.
• Demian Maia (2017): After an impressive winning streak, the jiu-jitsu specialist got his title shot at UFC 214 against Tyron woodleyDemian was ultimately frustrated by the American's excellent takedown defense and lost by unanimous decision.
• Rafael dos Anjos (2018): Former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Dos Anjos moved up a weight class and fought for the interim welterweight title at UFC 225 against the American. Colby covingtonHe was ultimately defeated by a unanimous decision of the judges.
• Gilbert Durinho (2021): The last Brazilian to have the opportunity to compete for the welterweight title was Gilbert DurinhoOn that occasion, the Jiu-Jitsu world champion faced Kamaru Usman No. UFC 258 He even managed to wobble the Nigerian early in the fight, but ended up being knocked out in the third round.

Without knowing what it's like to have a Brazilian champion in the division, Brazil has a good chance of conquering the top of the welterweight division in the short term. Besides the 'loaned' Ian Machado Garry , Carlos Prates and Gabriel Marretinha are also gaining momentum and approaching the elite of the category.

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