Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, NV – November 16, 2025 – The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s welterweight division witnessed a seismic shift on Saturday night as Carlos Prates delivered a stunning second-round knockout of former champion Leon Edwards at UFC 322. The electrifying finish, described by fellow professional fighter Vince Morales as akin to being struck by a "taser," marked a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers and sent immediate reverberations throughout the competitive 170-pound landscape. Prates’ emphatic victory, achieved with a single, devastating punch, not only extended his impressive promotional winning streak but also etched his name into the history books as the first fighter ever to stop Edwards via strikes.
The highly anticipated co-main event, held at a sold-out T-Mobile Arena, pitted a surging contender known for his concussive power against a revered former champion celebrated for his technical precision and defensive prowess. From the opening bell, the tension in the arena was palpable. The first round saw Edwards, renowned for his disciplined approach and strong defensive grappling, attempt to establish his rhythm, utilizing feints and low kicks to control distance. Prates, however, showcased his characteristic patience, absorbing Edwards’ early offense while meticulously searching for an opening to unleash his formidable striking arsenal. Exchanges were measured, with both fighters displaying respect for the other’s capabilities, but Prates consistently demonstrated a readiness to engage, subtly increasing his pressure as the round progressed. Edwards, historically difficult to hit cleanly, successfully evaded several of Prates’ initial power attempts, relying on his footwork and head movement.
The dynamic of the contest shifted dramatically in the second round. As Edwards attempted to press forward, perhaps seeking to capitalize on what he perceived as a slight lull in Prates’ aggression, the Brazilian welterweight seized his moment. Approximately midway through the round, Prates connected with a perfectly timed, short right hand that found its mark with chilling accuracy. The impact was immediate and catastrophic. Edwards, a fighter celebrated for his granite chin and ability to recover, was visibly stunned, his body stiffening as he absorbed the full force of the blow. The momentum of the punch lifted him momentarily off his feet before he crumpled to the canvas, unconscious, signifying an instantaneous end to the contest. Referee Herb Dean immediately intervened, waving off the fight at 2:15 of the second round, preventing any further damage to the already incapacitated Edwards.
Carlos Prates, now boasting a professional record of 23 wins and 7 losses, has undeniably established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC’s welterweight division. This victory marks his sixth consecutive win inside the octagon, with every single one of those triumphs coming by way of knockout or technical knockout. This remarkable consistency in finishing opponents with strikes underscores his reputation as a genuine power puncher. Out of his 23 career victories, an astounding 18 have been secured through KOs or TKOs, a statistic that places him among the elite finishers across all weight classes. His fighting style, characterized by precision, explosive power, and an unyielding predatory instinct, has consistently left opponents unable to continue. Prates’ rapid ascent through the welterweight rankings has been predicated on these highlight-reel finishes, and his performance against a fighter of Edwards’ caliber undeniably elevates his standing.
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For Leon Edwards, this knockout represents a significant and unexpected setback. As a former welterweight champion, Edwards had cultivated a reputation for being one of the most durable and technically sound fighters in the sport. His previous tenure as champion, defined by strategic victories and an ability to grind out decisions against top-tier opposition, highlighted his resilience. Prior to this encounter, Edwards had never been stopped by strikes in his professional career, making Prates’ achievement all the more extraordinary. This loss interrupts what had been a career resurgence for Edwards, who had previously navigated a challenging path to the top of the division. The impact of such a decisive defeat, particularly one that breaks a long-standing record of durability, will undoubtedly prompt a period of reflection for the Birmingham native and his team.
The professional mixed martial arts community reacted with a mixture of awe and shock to Prates’ electrifying performance. Social media platforms were inundated with comments from fellow fighters, coaches, and analysts, many struggling to articulate the sheer concussive force displayed by Prates. Vince Morales’ candid observation, "Prates looks like he hits people with a [sic] taser! They all drop like that," encapsulated the widespread sentiment regarding the Brazilian’s unique ability to shut down opponents’ nervous systems with a single shot. Other professional fighters lauded Prates’ timing and power, recognizing the immense challenge of finishing a fighter as resilient as Edwards. The consensus among observers was that Prates had definitively announced his arrival as a legitimate threat to the welterweight throne, possessing a knockout power that few in the division can match.
The implications of this result for the UFC welterweight division are profound. Carlos Prates’ victory against a former champion will undoubtedly propel him into the upper echelon of the rankings, positioning him as a strong contender for a future title shot. His consistent ability to deliver devastating finishes makes him a compelling figure for the promotion and an exciting prospect for fans. Potential matchups against other top contenders such as Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, or the victor of an upcoming high-stakes bout would be logical next steps for Prates, each offering a pathway towards challenging for the championship. The division, already brimming with talent, now has an undeniable new force whose power cannot be ignored.
For Leon Edwards, the path forward will require strategic planning. While a single knockout loss does not diminish his standing as a former champion and an elite fighter, it does raise questions about his immediate trajectory in a division that is constantly evolving. A period of recovery and reassessment will be crucial. Edwards’ ability to rebound from adversity has been a hallmark of his career, and how he addresses this definitive defeat will be a significant storyline to follow. A rematch against Prates could be a possibility down the line, or he might seek to re-establish his dominance against other top-ranked opponents to work his way back into title contention.
Statistically, Prates’ knockout ratio of nearly 78% (18 KOs in 23 wins) is exceptionally high for the welterweight division, often considered one of the most competitive and technically diverse weight classes in the UFC. This places him in an elite category alongside renowned power punchers who have graced the octagon. The manner of his victory over Edwards – a clean, one-punch finish against a fighter known for his defensive capabilities – further solidifies his status as a striking anomaly. The win not only improves Prates’ personal record but also sets a new benchmark for power in the division.
As the dust settles on UFC 322, the narrative surrounding the welterweight division has undoubtedly been rewritten. Carlos Prates has moved from a promising contender to a verified force, a fighter whose strikes carry the potential to end any contest at a moment’s notice. The "taser-like" power that rendered a former champion unconscious has put the entire division on notice, signaling the arrival of a new, electrifying threat at 170 pounds. The future of the welterweight title picture is now more dynamic and unpredictable than ever, with Prates firmly positioned at its forefront.
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