Jason Burgos
On Saturday at UFC Perth, Carlos Prates stamped his place as a legit welterweight title contender. In the biggest fight of his career, the Brazilian took on former 170-pound champ Jack Della Maddalena in a main event matchup in JDM’s home nation, and it did not take long to see who was the better fighter.
Prates used his length and speed to score hard, pinpoint shots through the middle of his foe’s guard. Although he gave up a takedown in Round 1 and laughed at the fact that JDM resorted to grappling to beat him, he completely shut down further attempts the rest of the bout.
He scored a nasty leg kick late in Round 2 that was the beginning of the end for the former champ. Then in Round 3, he landed some vicious elbows before another leg kick downed Della Maddalena again and led to a TKO win for Prates at 3:17 of the third round.
While Carlos Prates probably won’t get a title fight in his return, he is sure to get another major scrap later this year. With that in mind, let’s look at four next fight options for the welterweight star.
Kamaru Usman
After three straight losses, welterweight legend Kamaru Usman scored an impressive must-win last June against Joaquin Buckley. He has remained on the sidelines since as he seeks out a title fight against Islam Makhachev next. That looks unlikely to happen.
While Prates is dangerous, it is a good matchup for Usman, and beating him could secure the title fight he wants. For the Brazilian, it would be a chance at getting a third former champ on his hit list and to also secure a title fight this year.
Belal Muhammad (If he defeats Gabriel Bonfim)
Former champ Belal Muhammad will have the chance to get back in the win column and end a two-fight losing skid next month against fast-rising star Gabriel Bonfim. If he can get his first victory since July 2024, a clash with Prates would make sense in the fall.
It would be a chance for the American to prove he can still hang with the young contenders in the top five, and for Prates, it would be the fiercest test yet of his takedown defense.
Ian Machado Garry
If Prates wants to prove he is deserving of a title fight soon, avenging his lone loss in the UFC — an April 2025 setback to Ian Machado Garry — should be an option. Both are probably blocked from a title fight by Michael Morales. So facing off in a No. 1 contender rematch could easily headline another Fight Night card. Especially if it were in Brazil.
The big question is, would Garry be willing to take the risk of a second clash with Prates? That would be a tough sell. Maybe the UFC could make it part of a four-person title tournament?
Islam Makhachev
Is Prates jumping into a title fight with new champ Makhachev next likely? Probably not. But fight booking is a weird thing, especially if injuries or preferences come into play. It isn’t out of the question that the champ just looks for a favorable matchup since he isn’t getting the fight he truly wants.
While Prates deserves respect, the Russian could look to steal his momentum and show there are levels to grappling in a matchup he should do well in and get a big check for.
