Carlos Prates has already accomplished what many fighters dream of—making it to the UFC and securing a place in the rankings
But he’s far from finished. With each fight, he continues to improve, adapt, and impress. The journey that began in Brazil has brought him to the sport’s biggest stage, and he’s only getting started.
For fans of MMA, Carlos Prates is a name to remember—a humble warrior with knockout power, discipline, and the heart of a champion.
Carlos Prates is more than just a professional fighter—he’s a symbol of determination, cultural fusion, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
From the streets of São Paulo to the training gyms of Thailand, his journey reflects the spirit of true martial artistry.
At 31, with plenty of fight still left in him, Carlos Prates continues to evolve as both an athlete and a person, carrying the hopes of fans and inspiring a new generation of warriors.
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Table of Contents
Carlos Prates: Who Is He?
The Rising Brazilian Star of the UFC Welterweight Division
Carlos Prates is quickly making a name for himself in the ever-competitive world of mixed martial arts.1
With a powerful striking arsenal, tactical precision, and a hunger for greatness, Prates represents a new generation of Brazilian fighters who are turning heads in the UFC.
From humble beginnings to becoming a top-15 ranked welterweight, his journey is marked by dedication, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Early Life and the Brazilian Roots of a Fighter
Born and raised in Brazil, Carlos Prates grew up immersed in a culture that reveres martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.
Like many Brazilian fighters before him, Prates was inspired by legends such as Anderson Silva, José Aldo, and Lyoto Machida. His early exposure to these combat sports laid a strong foundation for a future in MMA.
Though details of his early training remain relatively private, it’s widely known that Prates developed a strong striking game from a young age.
He complemented his stand-up skills with a well-rounded ground game, ensuring he was prepared for the multifaceted challenges of mixed martial arts.
Carlos Prates: Career
Making His Professional Debut
Carlos Prates made his professional MMA debut on March 17, 2012, at Max Fight 11 in Brazil.2
Facing Sergio Vieira, a fellow up-and-coming fighter, Prates made a powerful statement with a second-round TKO victory. This emphatic win signaled the arrival of a promising talent in the Brazilian MMA scene.
The debut was just the beginning. Over the next several years, Prates honed his skills in various regional promotions, gaining experience and improving his fight IQ.
These years outside the spotlight were crucial in shaping the fighter who would one day compete on the world’s biggest stage.
The Grind Through Regional Circuits
Before getting his shot at international fame, Prates paid his dues in smaller fight promotions across South America.
He faced a variety of opponents with different fighting styles, which helped him develop a versatile skill set. During this period, he accumulated wins through both knockouts and submissions, proving himself as a well-rounded martial artist.
Fighting in different countries and organizations also gave Prates a deeper understanding of the sport’s global nature.
The grind of traveling, cutting weight, and performing under pressure molded him into a mentally tough competitor—qualities essential for making it in the UFC.
Breaking Through: Dana White’s Contender Series
The turning point in Prates’ career came when he was invited to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series.
In episode 60 of the series, Prates was matched up against Mitch Ramirez, a dangerous opponent with knockout power. The Contender Series has become a launching pad for many UFC careers, and the stakes were incredibly high.
Carlos Prates rose to the occasion with a stellar performance. He showcased his crisp striking, defensive awareness, and composure under fire.
His victory over Ramirez caught the attention of UFC President Dana White, who didn’t hesitate to offer him a contract. With that win, Prates officially entered the UFC—a dream realized for many fighters.
UFC Debut and Early Fights
- Carlos Prates made his UFC debut with plenty of hype and expectations. Known for his calculated aggression and sharp technique, fans were eager to see how he would fare in the world’s premier MMA organization.
- His debut didn’t disappoint. Prates brought the same energy and precision that got him signed, immediately proving that he belonged among the sport’s elite.
- In subsequent fights, he displayed his ability to adapt, picking apart opponents with surgical striking and staying composed during grappling exchanges.
- As of April 24, 2025, Prates boasts a solid UFC record, with wins over experienced veterans and promising newcomers alike.
- Carlos Prates’ steady rise up the welterweight ladder has been impressive. His performances have not only earned him fans around the world but also caught the attention of the UFC rankings committee. As of April 24, 2025, he is officially ranked No. 13 in the UFC welterweight division.
- The welterweight division has long been one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes, with names like Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards, and Colby Covington dominating headlines in recent years.
- For Prates to break into the top 15 within a relatively short time speaks volumes about his talent and work ethic.
Carlos Prates: Training and Team
A Tight-Knit Support System
Behind every great fighter is a dedicated team, and Prates is no exception.3
He trains with a close-knit group of coaches and training partners in Brazil and occasionally in the United States.
His training camp focuses on discipline, cardio, and evolving techniques.
Prates has spoken in interviews about the importance of loyalty and growth within his team. This grounded approach has kept him humble and focused, even as his star continues to rise.
Carlos Prates is widely known for his striking skills, which are rooted in Muay Thai. He utilizes sharp elbows, powerful knees, and clean boxing combinations. But what sets him apart is his composure under pressure.
Whether he’s leading the charge or countering aggressive opponents, Prates remains calm and tactical.
Life Outside the Octagon
Though intensely focused on his fighting career, Prates maintains a relatively private personal life. He occasionally shares glimpses of his training and downtime on social media, often showing gratitude to his fans and teammates.
He’s known for his respectful demeanor and sportsmanship, which has endeared him to many in the MMA community.
Prates is not one to trash talk; instead, he lets his performances speak for themselves—something fans of the sport deeply appreciate.
The Road Ahead: Eyes on the Title
With his current ranking at No. 13, the future looks incredibly bright for Carlos Prates. As he continues to climb the welterweight rankings, potential matchups with top contenders loom large.
If he maintains his form and continues evolving, a title shot could be on the horizon within the next year or two.
A few more statement wins—especially over ranked opponents—could catapult him into the top 10. From there, the path to UFC gold becomes clearer. Prates has the tools, mindset, and work ethic to become a serious title contender.
His footwork and ability to control range make it difficult for opponents to find openings. While not primarily a grappler, Prates has shown solid takedown defense and enough grappling knowledge to neutralize threats on the ground.
He plays to his strengths while minimizing risks—a quality that’s helped him maintain consistency in his performances.
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Carlos Prates’ Nationality
Carlos Prates is a Brazilian national who hails from Taubaté, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
Brazil, being a hub for combat sports, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, provided fertile ground for Prates’ early interest in fighting.
Growing up in a modest household, he was raised by a single mother who supported his ambitions despite limited resources.
His Brazilian roots are evident in his fighting style and discipline. Although he became well-versed in Muay Thai—a martial art traditionally linked to Thailand—Prates carries the energy and determination of a Brazilian fighter, which adds a unique touch to his style.
He is among a growing group of Brazilian athletes who have gone beyond traditional martial arts from the region, choosing instead to train abroad and integrate other fighting systems.
A Proud Brazilian Fighter
Carlos Prates didn’t come from privilege. Raised solely by his mother, he had to navigate the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household.
These experiences would later shape his mental toughness, which became a hallmark of his fighting career.
Combat sports became an outlet for him—first as a hobby and then as a calling. Starting with Muay Thai, he discovered a natural talent for striking and discipline.
But unlike many fighters who rely on early sponsorships or structured training environments, Prates carved his own path through sheer determination and hard work.
As of April 24, 2025, Carlos Prates is 31 years old. He was born on August 17, 1993. Despite being in his early 30s, Prates is still considered to be in the prime years of his athletic career, particularly in the welterweight division.
Most fighters reach their peak performance in their late 20s to early 30s, and Prates is using this time to maximize his skill development and competitive potential.
In recent years, his fights have demonstrated greater maturity, tactical awareness, and mental toughness—traits that come with experience and age in combat sports.
Carlos Prates’ Height and Weight
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 170 lbs, Carlos Prates is a formidable presence in the octagon.
His reach of 78 inches gives him a significant advantage in maintaining distance and controlling exchanges during fights.
These physical stats place him on the taller and longer end of the spectrum in the welterweight division, making him a tough matchup for many competitors.
His switch stance—meaning he can fight both orthodox and southpaw—adds another layer of unpredictability to his game.
Combined with his Muay Thai background, Prates has developed a style that relies on powerful kicks, quick counters, and deadly accuracy.
A Career Built on Strikes: Prates’ Muay Thai Roots
Muay Thai, often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is characterized by the use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Prates fell in love with this art early in his career and chose to refine his skills by moving to Thailand—the birthplace of Muay Thai. This decision was pivotal in shaping his fighting identity.
Training in Thailand exposed him to the highest level of Muay Thai fighters, sharpening his techniques and broadening his tactical mindset.
He didn’t just learn the mechanics of Muay Thai; he absorbed the cultural and philosophical depth of the discipline.
These experiences enriched his fighting style and improved his performance in international bouts.
Carlos Prates: Weight Loss
Carlos Prates shared the hardest part of his 13kg weight loss journey by thanking his nutritionist and his fitness trainer.
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Transition to MMA: Blending Arts for Versatility
After building a strong foundation in Muay Thai, Carlos Prates transitioned into mixed martial arts. The switch wasn’t easy—MMA demands proficiency in multiple fighting disciplines, including grappling, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu.
However, Prates brought with him an elite striking ability that gave him a clear edge in stand-up exchanges.
Despite some early losses in his professional MMA career, Prates didn’t let setbacks define him. Instead, he briefly returned to Muay Thai in 2016 to sharpen his tools and regain confidence. That break proved to be a smart decision.
With renewed focus and improved skills, he came back stronger and more well-rounded, ready to compete at a high level in MMA once again.
A Fighter’s Mindset: Learning from Defeat
Like many successful fighters, Carlos Prates understands the importance of resilience.
His losses taught him more than his victories. Each setback pushed him to reevaluate his game, strengthen his weaknesses, and remain humble. That mindset has been crucial to his longevity in the sport.
He doesn’t just fight to win; he fights to learn and improve. That growth-focused mentality makes him dangerous—not just because of his physical tools, but because of his mental toughness and strategic approach.
Prates is not the same fighter he was five years ago, and that evolution continues with every fight.
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