Carlos Prates does not do subtle. The 33-year-old Brazilian knockout specialist has carved through the welterweight ranks with ruthless efficiency, amassing a 7-1 promotional record alongside seven straight performance bonuses. Now, his crosshairs are locked on championship gold. Prates will square off against unbeaten Ecuadorian phenom Michael Morales for the interim welterweight belt at UFC 336 in Toronto on January 30, 2027—a collision designed to produce the next mandatory foe for two-division champion Islam Makhachev.
Yet before entering the final crucible of fight camp, Prates touched down across major Indian cities under the UFC India Tour banner. He immersed himself in local culture, sampled regional dishes, and lit firecrackers with fans. But one national obsession escaped him entirely. "I know cricket is really famous here in India, but I don't know the rules," Prates admitted with a grin. That easygoing demeanor vanishes the moment the Octagon gate latches shut. "Inside the Octagon, I need to be serious because it's my work, my health and my family's money," he explained. "Outside, it's different. I like talking to everybody."
The ferocity was forged in survival. Before securing a contract through Dana White's Contender Series in 2023, Prates spent six grueling years in Thailand fighting Muay Thai and kickboxing bouts without commercial sponsors. He racked up over 102 career fights across combat disciplines, once fighting 25 times in a single calendar year just to pay rent and buy groceries. He fought sick. He fought hurt. At times, he walked into the gym only for his trainer to inform him he had a bout scheduled that night.
None of those scars went to waste. Since making his promotional debut against Trevin Giles in February 2024, Prates has assembled 19 knockout wins across a 24-7 career ledger. His hit list features brutal stoppages over Li Jingliang, Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and former undisputed champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena. His lone promotional setback came against Ian Machado Garry in April 2025. When Prates dismantled Della Maddalena in May 2026, he seemed destined for an immediate title shot against Makhachev.
Then the champion stalled. Makhachev made clear he would not be ready to compete by January, forcing promotional matchmakers to construct an interim title headliner instead. Prates did not disguise his irritation.
Slamming the champion's refusal to step up on schedule, Prates made his intentions clear: "He acts like a kid. I can't do anything about it. I just need to give my best with the opportunity I have now. My opportunity is to become champion against Morales. I'm going to beat Morales, and then I'm going to make Makhachev retire from MMA."
Both fighters put unblemished reputations on the line at UFC 336, where Prates aims to turn Morales into his twentieth knockout victim before hunting down Makhachev.