Carlos Prates is on the brink of a monumental showdown in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). The Brazilian fighter has been on a tear, securing his third consecutive Performance of the Night award with a stunning second-round knockout of Li Jingliang at UFC 305 in August.
Initially, Prates had his sights set on Khaos Williams, but now he is teasing fans with the possibility of an even more significant bout on the horizon.
Carlos Prates vs. Michael Page
The UFC is reportedly interested in pitting Prates against one of the top 15 welterweight contenders, Michael Page, known for his flashy striking and “MVP” moniker. Page, with a professional record of 22-3, has had a mixed start in the UFC, securing a win over Kevin Holland at UFC 299 but narrowly losing to Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303.
In an exclusive interview published at USA Today, Prates revealed that he has intimate knowledge of Page’s fighting style, having previously mimicked Page in training sessions. Prates was a sparring partner for former Bellator champion Douglas Lima, the only fighter to knock out Page in MMA. Prates and Lima trained together in Thailand, giving Prates a unique insight into how to counter Page’s tactics.
Prates is confident and ready
“Fighting Michael Page would be a fantastic opportunity,” Prates stated. “I’m familiar with his style, and I believe it would be another great performance for me. Plus, it would be like a bonus to replicate what Douglas Lima did.”
Prates is keen to challenge Page, but the stalled negotiations have led to mounting irritation.
Since entering the UFC, Prates has been on a winning streak, securing knockout victories in all three of his fights, typically within the first or second round. His blend of striking power and long reach poses a significant threat to any opponent in the welterweight class. A matchup with Page would not only be an electrifying showdown but also an opportunity for Prates to establish himself within the top 15 of the welterweight rankings.
As the MMA community eagerly awaits official confirmation of this potential blockbuster matchup, fans can rest assured that Carlos Prates is not only ready but also confident in his ability to deliver another standout performance inside the Octagon.