Carlos Prates was preparing for a big win at UFC 314. A bout against Geoff Neal, the No. 10-ranked welterweight, was expected to be his opportunity to join the division’s elite. However, just weeks before the event, the UFC Mexico broadcast announced what fans did not want to hear: Neal is out due to injury, and the fight is officially canceled. It’s a frustrating setback for ‘The Nightmare,’ who was on a roll. But fret not, because UFC commentator Jon Anik has claimed that something bigger is in the works.

“We hope to have some big news on Carlos Prates in the weeks to come,” Anik said during UFC Mexico. And if there is one thing we fans know, it is that the UFC does not make such statements lightly. If Prates was merely getting a replacement fight, it would have been announced earlier. Instead, the 31-year-old Brazilian has been completely removed from the card, implying that something more major is on the way. Could there be a bigger opponent for a new fight date? Or something even more unexpected?

Regardless, Carlos Prates is swiftly becoming one of the most talked-about names at 170 pounds. Since making his UFC debut in early 2024, he has had four consecutive knockouts, including a stunning first-round finish of Neil Magny. That kind of dominance is noticed, and with Geoff Neal out, Prates finds himself at a crossroads. While he won’t be competing on April 12, Jon Anik’s hint of “big news” in the coming weeks has further fueled speculation about his future move.

The UFC has made it apparent that they see something special in ‘The Nightmare.’ The promotion has gradually built him up, presenting him with increasingly difficult challenges, and he has passed each test with flying colors. It’s not often that a fighter with only four UFC appearances receives such a significant boost, but Prates’ highlight-reel finishes have made him tough to ignore. With Neal sidelined, the UFC may be planning something even greater for him, most likely a new opponent. So, who can the new opponent be?

What can be the next fight for Carlos Prates?

If Jon Anik’s statements are any indication, Carlos Prates is in for more than just another fight. If the UFC wants to maintain its momentum, Vicente Luque could be the ideal candidate. Luque, ranked #14, recently returned to the win column with a smooth first-round choke over Themba Gorimbo at UFC 310. A battle between him and Prates would be a high-stakes striker’s duel, as both guys have a history of decimating their opponents. Luque provides years of expertise and a diverse skill set, making him a formidable opponent for the rising Brazilian.

But, if the UFC really wants to make a statement, what about Kamaru Usman? If the former champion is serious about making another welterweight run, he will require a tough test, and Prates is a wild card in that equation. Then there’s Colby Covington—unlikely, but imagine the chaos if Covington entered a fight in Miami and faced a knockout artist like Prates. If the UFC only wants a striking display, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson would be an ideal match. Thompson had all the time in the world to recover, and seeing the two inside the Octagon is no less than a match made in heaven. Well, Dana White surely has many options as any of these would make for an electrifying stand-up fight.

Regardless of who steps forward, one thing is certain: the UFC is not slowing ‘The Nightmare’ down. His four consecutive knockouts have elevated him to one of the most exciting names at 170 pounds, and his next opponent will undoubtedly be a significant step toward title contention. The promotion has made it apparent that they see something exceptional in him; now it’s up to whoever receives the call to stop him. What do you think? Who will his next opponent be? Let us know in the comments.