Ali Akbar Rosady
The Brazilian powerhouse, known as "The Nightmare," made headlines earlier this month following his dominant performance at UFC Perth. Prates secured a third-round knockout victory over top-ranked contender Jack Della Maddalena, extending his impressive streak within the Ultimate Fighting Championship. This win marked his fourth consecutive stoppage victory in the UFC, a run that began with his successful appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series. Across these four bouts, Prates has earned three Performance of the Night bonuses, solidifying his reputation as an exciting finisher. His professional record now stands at 18 wins and 6 losses, showcasing a wealth of experience before his recent ascent in the UFC.
Immediately following his decisive victory over Della Maddalena, Prates wasted no time in articulating his next objective. He publicly called for a welterweight title shot, expressing a desire to face the victor of a rumored bout between current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and rising welterweight star Ian Machado Garry. Weeks removed from the Perth event, Prates remains steadfast in this conviction, even hinting at privileged information supporting his claim.
"I think Ian’s gonna fight Makhachev, and I’m going to fight the winner," Prates informed Yahoo Sports in a recent interview. He elaborated on discussions with UFC brass, stating, "I talked with them, with the UFC after my fight. Of course, we talked some things I cannot say, but I really think I will be the next. It doesn’t matter who gets the win between Islam and Ian Garry, I will be the next."
The potential matchup between Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, and Garry, a formidable welterweight contender, has been the subject of considerable speculation within the MMA community. While not yet officially confirmed by the UFC, whispers suggest the promotion may be targeting an August pay-per-view event for this high-profile clash. However, the timing of such a fight presents a significant logistical challenge for Prates’ immediate title aspirations.
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Historically, Islam Makhachev has maintained a fighting cadence of approximately one bout every eight months. Should Prates adhere strictly to his strategy of awaiting the winner, he could face a lengthy period of inactivity, potentially stretching to a full year on the sidelines. For a fighter with Prates’ active record, having competed four times in the UFC since August 2023 and numerous times prior, such a layoff would be substantial. Nevertheless, "The Nightmare" views this potential pause not as a hindrance, but as an opportunity for strategic development.
"It’s good for me," Prates asserted regarding a potential extended wait. "Get my injuries better, train a little bit more, improve, grow up as a fighter. If it’s long to fight for the belt, I will be more well-prepared." This perspective suggests a mature understanding of professional fighting, prioritizing optimal condition and skill refinement over a rushed return to the octagon.
However, Prates’ path to welterweight gold is not without a prominent potential detour, primarily in the form of Ilia Topuria. Topuria, the undefeated UFC Featherweight Champion, has been vocal about his desire to pursue a superfight with Islam Makhachev, even indicating a willingness to move up in weight for the contest. Should Topuria secure a victory in a rumored future bout, for instance against a top lightweight like Justin Gaethje, many observers believe he could bypass traditional welterweight contenders to challenge Makhachev for divisional supremacy or a catchweight superfight. This scenario would undoubtedly complicate Prates’ calculated ascent.
Prates, however, holds a differing view on Topuria’s immediate future. He believes "El Matador" will likely remain in the lightweight division (155 lbs) to defend his title or engage in a high-stakes bout against Arman Tsarukyan, one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. This projection aligns with the natural progression for a champion like Topuria, who has recently conquered the featherweight division.
It is after this potential divisional consolidation that Prates envisions a grander plan. Should he successfully capture the welterweight championship, he intends to issue a direct challenge to Topuria, inviting the featherweight phenom to move up to 170 pounds for a highly anticipated superfight. "I’m thinking about to get the belt and then asking Topuria if he wants to come to 170. Let’s do this. Let’s dance!" Prates declared, signaling his intent for a future clash that would undoubtedly capture the imagination of fight fans worldwide.
The welterweight division itself is currently under the reign of Leon Edwards, a dominant champion who recently defended his title against Colby Covington. Other top contenders such as Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov are also vying for a shot at the gold, creating a complex and competitive landscape. Prates’ emergence into this elite mix, coupled with his aggressive style and finishing ability, adds a compelling new dynamic to the division’s title picture. His vision of not only becoming champion but also challenging a cross-divisional superstar like Topuria underscores the confidence and ambition that has propelled him to the forefront of the UFC’s talent pool. The coming months will reveal whether the intricate dance of fighter aspirations and UFC matchmaking aligns with "The Nightmare’s" bold pronouncements.
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