LAS VEGAS – Carlos Prates is setting his sights on some of the big dogs in the welterweight division.
Prates (21-6 MMA, 4-0 UFC), who knocked out Neil Magny this past Saturday in the main event of UFC Fight Night 247, wants to return in February at the UFC 312 pay-per-view that’s set to go down in Sydney, Australia. And his choice of opponent? None other than top title contender Jack Della Maddalena, but will settle with veteran contender Geoff Neal.
“To be honest, I think the best option would be against Jack Della Maddalena, but you have the rankings, and he’s No. 4, and probably next Tuesday, I’m going to be 15, so I don’t know if he’ll accept the fight,” Prates told reporters at the UFC Fight Night 247 post-fight news conference. “Also, if UFC is going to do that fight, if they find it interesting. But if it’s too far and Jack Della Madalena don’t agree, I would be happy to fight Geoff Neal, that would be cool.”
Prates has been on fire since debuting in the UFC this year. In just 10 months, he’s picked up four knockout wins and has won a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for each finish.
His stoppage win over Magny (29-13 MMA, 22-12 UFC), was his first UFC main event, and Prates couldn’t feel any better.
“It’s like a dream,” Prates said when asked about his UFC run. “Like two years ago I was fighting for like maybe $200, and now I’m doing a lot of money. It’s a dream. I worked hard for this for many years, and I’m really happy. But it’s still like a dream.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 247.