Ali Akbar RosadyPerth, Australia – As the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) prepares to ignite the RAC Arena, Brazilian welterweight Carlos Prates stands at a pivotal juncture, his formidable combat skills sharpened not just by professional ambition, but by the profound emotional weight of family. Prates, known as "The Nightmare," has openly expressed his desire to face Australia’s own Jack Della Maddalena in a high-profile bout at UFC Perth, a contest that would significantly elevate his burgeoning career. However, for Prates, this return to Australian soil is far more than a mere athletic endeavor; it is a deeply personal pilgrimage centered on his six-year-old daughter and the poignant reunion of three generations.
The decision to compete in Australia holds immense personal significance for Prates, whose young daughter resides there. Her presence cageside for his fights has become a powerful motivator, transforming the intense pressure of the octagon into a profound opportunity to inspire and connect. Adding another layer of emotional depth to this journey, Prates’ mother, Regina, has traveled overseas for the very first time to witness her son compete and, more importantly, to meet her granddaughter in person. This generational meeting underscores a narrative far richer than mere sporting triumph, highlighting the sacrifices and motivations that often remain unseen beneath the bright lights of professional combat.
Regina’s unwavering support has been a constant throughout Prates’ career, a steadfast presence ensuring his dedication in the gym and his peak performance under the bright lights of the UFC. Yet, her focus on this trip, as Prates revealed, has entirely shifted. "She’s not even focused on the fight anymore," Prates told MMA Fighting. "Now it’s all about seeing her granddaughter. She’s already forgotten I’m fighting. She doesn’t care at all [laughs]." This candid admission speaks volumes about the priorities that supersede even the most anticipated professional engagements, emphasizing the enduring power of family bonds.
Prates, with a professional mixed martial arts record of 18 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, including 16 victories by knockout, has established himself as a potent force in the welterweight division. His tenure in the UFC has been marked by explosive performances, securing two consecutive knockout victories since his debut in October 2023. He dispatched Trevin Giles with a first-round knockout at UFC Vegas 81 and followed that with another first-round KO against Charles Radtke at UFC Vegas 84 in January 2024. Both performances earned him a coveted "Performance of the Night" bonus, showcasing his undeniable finishing ability and exciting style. His daughter was in attendance for a previous UFC bout, and her presence is anticipated again at the RAC Arena for this potential clash with Della Maddalena, an experience Prates cherishes deeply.
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Despite the prospect of competing in what would undoubtedly be hostile territory against a popular local fighter like Della Maddalena, Prates remains unfazed by external pressures. His seasoned perspective, honed over decades in combat sports, allows him to distill the environment down to its fundamental truth. "The crowd can boo or cheer, but when the cage closes, it’s just two guys in there," Prates asserted, highlighting his mental fortitude and focus on the immediate challenge. For Prates, the ultimate objective transcends external validation; it is about delivering a performance that fills his family with pride, a goal he views as paramount.
The bond between father and daughter, separated by thousands of miles and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, is a central theme in Prates’ journey. Despite the geographical distance, Prates is fiercely committed to being the best possible parent. "She likes fighting, she trains," Prates shared of his daughter. "If you don’t slow her down, she already wants to play-fight with everyone. You have to hold her back [laughs]." This anecdote paints a vivid picture of a spirited child inheriting some of her father’s competitive nature, a connection that bridges the distance.
Prates’ commitment to fatherhood stems from a deeply personal place. "I grew up without a father," Prates revealed. "My father died when I was a year and a half old, and then I met my ‘father,’ Cris [Nogueira, his coach], when I was 15 years old, so I know how it is." This early life experience profoundly shaped his understanding of the importance of a paternal figure. While acknowledging the challenges of a long-distance relationship, Prates embraces a pragmatic philosophy taught by his coach, Wagner Motta: "let’s do the best we can with the conditions we have right now." He currently manages to see his daughter two or three times a year, a frequency he would ideally increase. "If I could, I’d bring her here and she’d stay with me. If I could live there too, cool. But unfortunately that’s not the case, and we have to deal with it this way."
Prates, who will soon turn 33, carries an extensive combat sports resume, boasting over 100 Muay Thai bouts alongside his 30 professional MMA contests. This vast experience, while invaluable, has also instilled in him a keen awareness of the finite nature of his career. He does not envision himself competing at this elite level indefinitely, a sentiment driven by a desire to reclaim time with his loved ones. "Time is something you don’t get back," Prates reflected. "You can’t buy time. Time is passing and I’m working like crazy, you know? Yesterday I saw my mom, but it had been like three days since I’d last seen her because things have been hectic. My mom is already in her seventies, I need to enjoy time with her and be with her, you know?" This powerful statement encapsulates the bittersweet reality of a professional athlete balancing peak performance with the irreversible march of time and the preciousness of family moments.
A victory over a high-caliber opponent like Della Maddalena at UFC Perth would significantly propel Prates into the upper echelons of the welterweight division, potentially earning him a ranked spot and a clearer path towards a championship opportunity. Despite the physical demands of training and fighting, Prates identifies the most exhausting aspect of his career not as the combat itself, but as the administrative burden that accompanies it. "What’s most exhausting is the bureaucracy, having to deal with problems that have nothing to do with fighting," Prates explained. "These days I’m managing to delegate more to the people who work with me, but not everything yet. Everything that’s not related to fighting wears me out. I think not just me, it wears everyone out."
The financial rewards that accompany success in the UFC, particularly the performance bonuses Prates has consistently earned, play a crucial role in his long-term vision. These earnings are not merely for personal gain but are meticulously managed to ensure a secure future for his family. "Lucas [Lutkus] is a manager who, besides taking care of the fighting side, also looks after us on the financial side," Prates elaborated. "There’s a whole team that works with me. There’s a financial advisor, my accountant. If it were just me, there are things I wouldn’t even know exist [laughs]. If I had to do everything alone, I’d be screwed." This comprehensive support system allows Prates to dedicate his focus to training and competition, knowing that the complex financial and logistical aspects of his career are expertly handled.
As Carlos Prates prepares for his potential challenge at UFC Perth, his story serves as a powerful reminder that behind every professional athlete lies a tapestry of personal motivations and profound sacrifices. His quest for victory is inextricably linked to his desire to honor his mother, to be a present and inspiring father, and to secure a stable future for those he holds dearest. In the high-stakes world of the UFC, Prates fights not just for himself, but for a legacy of pride, commitment, and the enduring strength of family bonds, understanding implicitly that some things, like time with loved ones, are truly priceless.
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