Here’s a bold statement: Carlos Prates isn’t just waiting for his shot at UFC gold—he’s already planning his path to the top, even if it means taking the scenic route. After a stunning knockout of former champion Leon Edwards at Madison Square Garden, Prates made it clear he’s ready for the welterweight title. But here’s where it gets controversial: he knows the road to facing current champion Islam Makhachev is anything but straightforward. And this is the part most people miss: Prates has a backup plan, and it involves a rising star in the division—Jack Della Maddalena.
In a candid conversation with MMA Fighting during a Corinthians game in São Paulo, Prates laid out his strategy. Fresh off a stadium tour and a thrilling match between Corinthians and Botafogo, he explained why Maddalena is his ideal next opponent. ‘If Kamaru Usman gets the title shot, I’ll need another fight to stay in the mix,’ Prates said. ‘But if it’s not Usman, I’m next in line.’
Usman, a legend in the division, has struggled recently, with only one win since 2021. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s dominant victory over Della Maddalena solidified his championship status. Prates acknowledges the complexity of UFC matchmaking, especially with Makhachev and Usman sharing the same management. ‘There’s a lot of politics involved,’ he admitted. ‘Usman is one of the greatest ever—in my book, the greatest. But I’m not worried. If I don’t get the title shot next, I’ll take one more fight and then go for it.’
Here’s the controversial part: Prates doesn’t see Usman beating Makhachev, but he’s confident he can outshine both. He’s eyeing an April matchup with Della Maddalena in Las Vegas, a fight he believes will catapult him into title contention. ‘Della Maddalena just lost the belt, so beating him would be a clear path to the top,’ Prates explained. ‘By mid-next year, I’ll be ready for the belt.’
Prates’s knockout streak in the UFC, including his victory over Edwards at UFC 322, has earned him a 6-1 record and $50,000 in performance bonuses. Yet, even his mother, Regina, had a critique: ‘She was confident, but she didn’t like when Edwards took my back,’ Prates shared with a laugh. ‘I thanked her, and she said, ‘Cool, but no more of that!’’
So, here’s the question for you: Is Prates’s plan to face Della Maddalena a smart move, or should he push harder for a direct title shot? And does Usman stand a chance against Makhachev, or is Prates right in his prediction? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
