Carlos Prates, the No. 5 ranked welterweight contender, has humorously suggested a potential move down to the lightweight division.
Prates is slated to face former champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth this weekend. Following this bout, “The Nightmare” intends to target the welterweight championship, which he hopes will be held by Islam Makhachev.
However, if Ilia Topuria, the current featherweight champion, were to move up to welterweight for a superfight against Islam Makhachev after his June 14th bout, and Prates did not receive a title shot, he indicated he might consider dropping to 155 pounds to compete for the lightweight belt.
During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Prates stated, “Then I’ll move down to lightweight and fight for the lightweight belt. I can make 155. But I’m kidding. I don’t want to diet that much anymore. We’ll see. I’m not really thinking about that right now, but let’s see if it happens.”
Prates is currently on a two-fight winning streak, with both victories coming by knockout. His sole loss in the UFC thus far was against Ian Machado Garry in 2025.
English Translation:
Carlos Prates, the No. 5 ranked welterweight contender, has jokingly suggested a potential move down to the lightweight division.
Prates is scheduled to face former champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth this weekend. After this fight, “The Nightmare” aims to set his sights on the welterweight championship, which he hopes will be held by Islam Makhachev.
However, if Ilia Topuria, the current featherweight champion, were to move up to welterweight for a superfight against Islam Makhachev following his June 14th bout, and Prates did not get a title shot, he indicated he might consider dropping to 155 pounds to compete for the lightweight belt.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Prates commented, “Then I’ll move down to lightweight and fight for the lightweight belt. I can make 155. But I’m kidding. I don’t want to diet that much anymore. We’ll see. I’m not really thinking about that right now, but let’s see if it happens.”
Prates is currently riding a two-fight win streak, with both of his last two opponents being knocked out. His sole loss in his UFC record to date came against Ian Machado Garry in 2025.
