Carlos Prates, a prominent welterweight contender, has hinted at a potential move to the lightweight division.
Prates, currently ranked No. 5 in the welterweight division, is scheduled to face former champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth this weekend.
He intends to secure another knockout victory against a former champion and then set his sights on the welterweight championship, currently held by Islam Makhachev.
However, Makhachev is anticipated to defend his title in August against Ian Machado Garry. Prates hopes that Garry will defeat the Russian champion, after which Prates envisions a rematch with Garry in Brazil.
Carlos Prates Teases Lightweight Switch If Ilia Topuria Gets Makhachev Fight
Prates has stated that if lightweight champion Ilia Topuria were to move up to welterweight for a superfight against Islam Makhachev, following his fight against Justin Gaethje on June 14, and if Prates himself doesn’t receive a shot at the welterweight title, he might consider dropping to lightweight to compete for that championship.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Carlos Prates remarked:
“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 way of knockout. He has only one loss in his UFC career, which was against Ian Machado Garry in 2025.
English Translation:
Carlos Prates Jokes About Cutting to Lightweight If Ilia Topuria Gets Islam Makhachev Fight First
Team Fighting Nerds’ Carlos Prates has teased a potential move down to 155 pounds.
Prates, the No. 5-ranked welterweight contender, is set to face former champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth this weekend.
“The Nightmare” plans to knock out another former champion and then set his sights on welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev is expected to make his first title defense in August against Ian Machado Garry. Prates wants “The Future” to dethrone the Russian, after which he plans to have a rematch with the Irishman in Brazil.
Carlos Prates Teases a Move Down to 155-Pounds If “El Matador” Gets to Fight Islam Makhachev
If lightweight champion Ilia Topuria moves up to 170 pounds for a superfight with Islam Makhachev after dismantling Justin Gaethje on June 14, and Prates does not get a shot at the 170-pound championship, he would then like to move down to 155 pounds and compete for the UFC lightweight championship.
During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Carlos Prates said:
“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 2-fight win streak. He has knocked out both of his last 2 opponents. “The Nightmare” has just one loss in his UFC record so far, which came against Ian Machado Garry in 2025.