Carlos Prates, a prominent figure in the Team Fighting Nerds camp and the No. 5 ranked welterweight contender, has playfully hinted at the possibility of dropping to the 155-pound lightweight division.
Prates is scheduled to face former champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth this weekend. Following this potential victory, Prates aims to set his sights on the welterweight championship, currently held by Islam Makhachev. Makhachev is anticipated to defend his title in August against Ian Machado Garry.
Prates expressed his desire for “The Future” (Ilia Topuria) to defeat Makhachev, and then Prates would be interested in a rematch with the Irishman in Brazil.
Carlos Prates Teases Lightweight Move if Ilia Topuria Challenges Islam Makhachev
In a hypothetical scenario, Prates suggested that if Ilia Topuria moves up to 170 pounds for a superfight with Islam Makhachev after his June 14 bout against Justin Gaethje, and Prates is overlooked for a welterweight title shot, he would consider dropping to lightweight to compete for that championship.
During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Carlos Prates commented:
“Then I’ll move down to lightweight and fight for the lightweight belt. I can make 155. But I’m kidding. I don’t want to diet that much anymore. We’ll see. I’m not really thinking about that right now, but let’s see if it happens.”
Prates is currently on a two-fight winning streak, with both of his recent victories coming by knockout. “The Nightmare” has only one loss on his UFC record, which was against Ian Machado Garry in 2025.