Carlos Prates aims to continue his UFC ascent by targeting a high-ranked opponent in early 2025, starting with a headline fight against Neil Magny at UFC Vegas 100, and hopes to face Jack Della Maddalena in Australia next February.
Carlos Prates is on a mission. He’s looking to catapult his UFC career by facing a top-ranked opponent in early 2025. With a perfect 3-0 record and a trio of electrifying knockouts, he’s making waves. This Saturday, he headlines UFC Vegas 100 against Neil Magny, a seasoned veteran with 33 fights under his belt.
Prates has his sights set beyond this weekend’s fight. Initially linked to Randy Brown, he’s now aiming higher. “I think I’ll be way ahead with a win over Neil Magny,” he told MMA Fighting. For Prates, a win means rankings—and Randy Brown? Not worth the chase anymore.
Australia is calling. The UFC is set to return to Sydney on February 8, and Prates wants in. Jack Della Maddalena, riding a seven-fight win streak, might just be the target. “I don’t know if the UFC would make this fight because of the rankings,” Prates mused, but he’s hopeful. If you don’t ask, you don’t get, right?
Maddalena’s no pushover; five of his seven wins came via stoppage. Yet, Prates is confident. “We would break each other in there,” he laughed. A three-round war? Sounds like a plan. He believes he can outlast Maddalena, though it won’t be easy.
But first things first—Magny awaits. Prates predicts an early finish to strengthen his case for bigger names. He’s seen others leapfrog in the division after besting Magny and wants the same trajectory.
Surprisingly, Magny enters as a heavy underdog. Prates expected favoritism due to his youth and knockout streak but didn’t see this coming. Despite online chatter dismissing Magny’s threat, Prates remains cautious.
“I think I’ll knock him out around the third round,” he speculated. Wrestling and cage control might be Magny’s game plan, but Prates is ready for anything. Trading punches or grappling? Bring it on!