Home/UFC

via Getty

via Getty

0
  Debate

Debate

Is Carlos Prates the next big thing in UFC, or just another flash in the pan?

Among the recent graduates of Dana White‘s Contender Series, few fighters have risen as swiftly as welterweight contender Carlos Prates. Today, at UFC Vegas’s milestone 100th edition, Prates made a name for himself by sending his opponent, Neil Magny, to the shadow realm in the very first round. This victory extended his winning streak to four since joining the UFC, following an impressive knockout of Mitch Ramirez last year.

With a string of knockouts to his name, Prates has not only secured consecutive wins but has also earned lucrative ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses. Intrigued? It’s astonishing to think that despite breaking into the UFC just last year, Prates has already built a four-fight winning streak. So, what rewards have his consistency brought him? Let’s dive into Carlos Prates’ additional earnings this year from his ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses.

How much has Dana White awarded Carlos Prates in UFC bonuses this year?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Rising out of the kickboxing and Muay Thai scene, Carlos Prates has been a tough competitor this year, staying active in the game alongside his fellow countryman, UFC light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira, who has fought three times this year. However, Prates stands out by already having fought four times back-to-back—in February, June, August, and November. The Brazilian sensation faced Trevin Giles, Charles Radtke, Li Jingliang, and Neil Magny, with each fight ending in a knockout in the early rounds (between rounds 1 and 2).

His consistent performance has certainly caught the attention of the UFC and its boss, Dana White. For delivering four straight knockouts in four consecutive fights, White rewarded Prates with four ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses, each worth $50,000. With those wins and bonuses combined, Carlos Prates has earned $200,000 in bonuses this year alone.

Now, riding high on success, why would Carlos Prates want to slow down? It doesn’t seem like he plans to, as he wasted no time securing his next fight right after the win at UFC Vegas 100. Who does ‘The Nightmare’ want to haunt next?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What’s your perspective on:

Is Carlos Prates the next big thing in UFC, or just another flash in the pan?

Have an interesting take?

What’s next for Brazilian sensation Prates?

Following his victory, Carlos Prates spoke to Michael Bisping in the Octagon and revealed his desire to fight on the upcoming UFC 312 Sydney card, which is rumored to feature the next title defense for Dricus Du Plessis, though it has yet to be confirmed. The event is expected to take place in February, so what could be better than going toe-to-toe with an undefeated Aussie in the promotion, ranked #4 welterweight contender Jack Della Maddalena?

Prates, who has also remained undefeated throughout his UFC career, shared his thoughts on the matchup, saying, “To be honest, I think the perfect next fight would be in Australia – as you guys know, I have a daughter there, and I would really love to visit her and fight in Australia against Jack Della Maddalena. All respect to the guy, I don’t know if it’s too far away in the rankings, but fighting Jack Della Maddalena would be amazing.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Now, this move might be the equivalent of Joaquin Buckley calling out Conor McGregor only for the Irishman to not even acknowledge it, and for UFC experts like Daniel Cormier to ridicule it. Maddalena is in the top five of the division and Prates will, at best, enter the rankings at the #15 spot, replacing the man he just vanquished. Besides, as per his own admission, Colby Covington is being matched up with Jack Della Maddalena and that fight could very well go down in Sydney. So Prates is unlikely to get anything out of that callout.

What’s your opinion on the rise of Brazilian prospect Carlos Prates? Do you think that with a few more victories in the Octagon, he could capture the attention of Dana White and the UFC matchmakers, possibly earning himself a title shot soon? Share your thoughts below.

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.