Carlos Prates, after defeating Leon Edwards, aims for a UFC welterweight title shot but is prepared to face Jack Della Maddalena first, while acknowledging the competition from Kamaru Usman and Islam Makhachev.
SÃO PAULO — After a stunning knockout of ex-champ Leon Edwards at Madison Square Garden, Carlos Prates is eyeing the UFC welterweight title. He knows, though, that the path to facing Islam Makhachev is crowded.
If another fight is necessary, “The Nightmare” has Jack Della Maddalena in his sights. Prates shared his thoughts during an interview at a Corinthians game, where he mingled with players before their match against Botafogo.
“I think if Kamaru Usman fights for the belt, I’ll need another bout,” Prates explained. “If not Usman, then it’s my turn.”
Usman has only one win since 2021, bouncing back from losses to Khamzat Chimaev and Edwards. Makhachev, meanwhile, recently took the title from Della Maddalena.
Prates remains hopeful for a title shot in 2026 but acknowledges the complexities involved in such decisions. “There’s what Makhachev wants,” he noted. “Usman’s one of the greatest—maybe the greatest in the division.”
He doesn’t see Makhachev vs. Usman as “easy” and doubts Usman’s victory. Yet, Prates is confident he’ll fight for the 170-pound title soon.
“We’re eyeing April, a numbered card in Vegas,” Prates said about a potential clash with Della Maddalena. “Beat him, and we’re on track for the title by mid-next year.”
His victory over Edwards at UFC 322 improved his record to 6-1, all knockouts, earning him $50,000 in bonuses. Yet, his mom, Regina, wasn’t thrilled with every moment.
“She was confident but didn’t like him taking my back,” Prates shared. “I thanked her, and she said, ‘Cool, but I didn’t like that part.’”