Carlos Prates, currently on a three-fight winning streak with two knockouts against former UFC champions in his last three bouts, is setting his sights on a future clash with Ilia Topuria. For his upcoming fight, “The Nightmare” has explicitly stated his intention to pursue a shot at the welterweight title and will not consider any other fights beforehand.
Prates aims to face the winner of the potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry bout, which is slated for August. Should Garry emerge victorious and dethrone Makhachev, Prates and Garry have reportedly discussed the possibility of a rematch in Brazil.
Meanwhile, reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is scheduled to face the two-time interim 155-pound titleholder Justin Gaethje on June 14 at the White House. Topuria is confident in his prediction of a first-round knockout against “The Highlight.” Following this, the Georgian-Spaniard intends to move up in weight, aspiring for three-division glory and a potential encounter with pound-for-pound king and welterweight champion Makhachev.
Now, Prates has presented another proposition to the undefeated knockout artist known as “El Matador.”
Carlos Prates Wants to Fight Ilia Topuria After Capturing the UFC Welterweight Throne
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, “The Nightmare” voiced his strong desire to face “El Matador” if Topuria decides to move up to the 170-pound division. Prates views a fight with Topuria as a significant “super fight” and a lucrative “money fight.” His plan is to call out Topuria for a showdown once he has claimed the welterweight belt. He shared with Helwani:
“I’m thinking about getting the belt and then maybe asking Topuria if he wants to come to 170. Let’s do this. Let’s dance.”
Watch Carlos Prates discuss his interest in fighting Ilia Topuria:
🤔 Carlos Prates wants to become WW champion then ask Ilia Topuria if he wants to fight
‘I’m thinking about getting the belt and then maybe asking Topuria if he wants to come to 170. Let’s do this. Let’s dance.’
via @arielhelwani pic.twitter.com/bMCdcx0IzK
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) May 19, 2026