Carlos Prates is one of the fastest-rising names in the UFC welterweight division right now. With knockout power that can end a fight instantly and a growing reputation as one of Brazil’s most dangerous strikers, fans are asking one big question: When is Carlos Prates fighting next?
After back-to-back highlight-reel finishes, including a dramatic knockout of former champion Leon Edwards, Prates has suddenly become a real contender—someone fans and analysts can’t stop talking about.
Here’s the latest, most updated breakdown of everything we know right now about his next fight, current status, career trajectory, and what the UFC is likely planning for him.
Carlos Prates’s Current Status: Is His Next Fight Announced?
As of today, the UFC has not officially announced Carlos Prates’s next opponent or fight date.
That means there is no signed bout agreement, no confirmed card, and no public schedule. Prates is active, healthy, and training, but UFC matchmakers have not finalized his next matchup yet.
However… based on his recent performances and momentum, it’s very likely that something big is coming soon.
Why Carlos Prates Is Suddenly a Top Welterweight to Watch
Carlos Prates entered 2025 as a talented but relatively unknown welterweight. But within months, he completely changed the narrative.
1. Knockout Win Over Geoff Neal
Prates shocked fans by knocking out the durable Geoff Neal with a spinning elbow—a knockout that instantly went viral and turned him from “prospect” into “problem.”
2. Breakthrough Victory Against Leon Edwards
At UFC 322, Prates delivered the biggest win of his career. He knocked out former champion Leon Edwards in the second round, handing Edwards one of the most devastating losses of his career.
This fight elevated Prates from “dangerous contender” to “potential title challenger.”
3. Confidence, Power, and Star Potential
Prates brings:
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Dynamic knockout power
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Explosive striking
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Aggressive style
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Charisma and confidence
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A Brazilian fanbase ready to support him
He has the tools and the personality to become a top-five star by 2026.
⏳ So… When Could Carlos Prates Fight Next?
Even though no date is announced, here’s the realistic timetable:
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He took no major injuries from the Edwards fight.
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He has no medical suspension preventing training or booking.
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UFC typically books fast-rising contenders quickly—especially fighters with knockout momentum.
This means we can expect his next fight to land:
Likely Return: Early to Mid-2026
January–April is the ideal window based on UFC scheduling patterns. Major PPVs early in the year often feature rising contenders in co-main or feature fights.
Who Could Carlos Prates Fight Next? 4 Realistic Opponents
The welterweight division is stacked, but Prates is now in a spot where the UFC must match him strategically. Here are the most realistic names:
1. Ian Machado Garry (Top-5 Test)
Garry is a big name, undefeated for a long time, and stylistically matches up well with Prates. Fans would love this striking battle.
2. Shavkat Rakhmonov (Elite Step-Up)
If the UFC wants to fast-track Prates into title contention, this is the fight. Two of the most dangerous finishers in the division.
3. Gilbert Burns (Veteran Gatekeeper Fight)
Burns is still competitive and a big name. This fight would test Prates’s grappling defense while giving him a veteran to build his resume.
4. Vicente Luque (Brazil vs Brazil Showdown)
A fun stylistic matchup that could headline a UFC Brazil event.
Prates himself has publicly said he believes he’s close to a title shot depending on who he fights next. With the Edwards knockout, that claim isn’t unrealistic.
Why the UFC Will Push Prates Hard in 2026
Carlos Prates checks every major box that the UFC looks for when building a future star:
• Exciting Fighting Style
The UFC loves strikers who finish fights. Prates delivers finishes consistently.
• Marketable Personality
Confident, fiery, emotional—fans remember him.
• Brazilian Fanbase
Brazil is one of the UFC’s biggest markets. A new Brazilian star at welterweight is highly valuable.
• Has a Win Over a Former Champion
That alone pushes him into discussions with the top 10.
If he wins his next fight, don’t be surprised if he’s suddenly on the shortlist for a title eliminator.
What Carlos Prates Needs to Focus on Before His Next Fight
He’s explosive, but he’s still climbing the ranks. Here’s what matters most now:
1. Strengthening Defensive Grappling
Top contenders like Shavkat, Belal, Brady, and Usman have elite grappling. Prates must prepare.
2. Staying Disciplined in Long Fights
His power is elite, but his cardio in later rounds will be key for title-level competition.
3. Building a Next-Level Fight Camp
A structured camp in Brazil or the U.S. could elevate his game.
4. Staying Active
Momentum is everything. One fight per year isn’t enough for his rise — he needs two fights in 2026.
✅ Final Word: When Will We See Carlos Prates Again?
To sum it up clearly:
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No official next fight is confirmed yet.
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He is active, healthy, and ready.
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The UFC is expected to book him early-to-mid 2026.
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His next opponent will likely be a top-10 welterweight.
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Winning that fight puts him just one step away from title contention.
Carlos Prates is no longer just a rising prospect — he’s one of the most dangerous welterweights in the UFC, and his next fight will be huge for his career.
