Carlos Prates delivered a dominant performance at UFC Fight Night on May 2, 2026, in Perth, Australia. He faced hometown fighter Jack Della Maddalena and achieved a brutal victory that positions him for a welterweight title shot.
Prates knocked Della Maddalena down four times during the fight. The referee stopped the bout due to Della Maddalena’s inability to continue. This win improved Prates’s record to 24-7, with 19 of those victories coming by knockout.
Della Maddalena’s record now stands at 18-4, having secured 12 wins by knockout prior to this bout. He was bloodied and dazed throughout the match, showcasing the effectiveness of Prates’s striking.
In the co-main event, Quillan Salkilld won against Beneil Dariush by first-round TKO. This victory improved Salkilld’s record to 12-1. Steve Erceg also claimed victory over Tim Elliott by unanimous decision.
Prates expressed confidence in his performance. “I can punch, I can knee, I can kick … so I’m better, and now I feel like I’m the number one contender,” he stated after the fight.
At 32 years old, Prates is eager to challenge for the welterweight title. He called for a match against the winner of the upcoming title fight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Machado.
Yet, no timeline has been shared regarding when this title fight will take place. Officials have not confirmed if Prates will receive an immediate shot at the championship.
Prates’s victory is significant as Brazil has never had a champion in the welterweight division. His performance may pave the way for future opportunities for Brazilian fighters in this category.
The next bout for Prates remains uncertain as he awaits news on his potential title shot.