There is a new fighter in town who has not only recently graduated from the  Dana White’s Contender Series but also rose in ranks. It is none other than Brazilian welterweight star Carlos Prates who has entered the welterweight rankings with the first-round finish of Neil Magny at UFC Vegas’s milestone 100th edition. This video has extended his winning streak to 4 since he joined UFC after he KOed Mitch Ramirez last year. Pirates (21-6) Ko ed Magny as well with a straight left hook in the main event and Dana White has rewarded him with an improved ranking as well as bonuses.

“I am feeling awesome,” Prates said to ESPN. “This has been the best year of my life, of my career. In 10 months, three [fight night] bonuses. It’s been a lot of hard work from me and my team.“ The 31-year-old has already called out his next opponent and wants to fight Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena next.

His amazing achievement of rising in the ranks and the performance bonus paychecks was shared by Jed I Goodman on X. The 31-year-old has risen to 13 in the welterweight ranks while also receiving “an additional $200,000 this year in performance bonuses.” The X post specifically listed his victories stating, “Updated #UFC WW Rankings. Carlos Prates enter at #13. Carlos Prates has earned an additional $200,000 this year in performance bonuses. 4 fights. 4 knockouts, 4 bonuses.”

Stars are surely aligning for the hardworking Brazilian and the Muay Thai expert has earned his dues. With Alex Pereira being his predecessor from Brazil he had a lot to uphold and he has already achieved the first lap. So now that he is #13 and $200,000 richer, what is his next plan?

The Brazilian sensation has planned his next move

Carlos Prates spoke to Michael Bisping in the Octagon after his win and said that he wants to fight at UFC 312 which is rumored to feature a title defense for Dricus Du Plessis. He has also challenged undefeated Aussie star #4 welterweight Jack Della Maddalena.

He shared his goals with Bisping and said, “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 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.”

Nevertheless, even though Prates is in #13 now, Maddalena is still in the top 5 so the prospect of fighting him might not arrive immediately. On top of that Colby Covington is reportedly being matched up with Jack Della Maddalena so we might witness that fight in Sydney.

However, he is on an uphill journey and is slowly achieving good momentum with 4 wins and amazing bonuses. Do you think that some more fights and victories can get him to be in the title-shot conversations? Share your thoughts below.