How a former Muay Thai fighter rose to the top of the UFC
In short: After a rocky start in mixed martial arts, Carlos Prates transformed from a struggling prospect into a dominant force. Known for his devastating knockout power and unconventional defensive style, the Brazilian striker has climbed the welterweight rankings to become one of the most feared fighters in the division.
Born in Taubaté, Brazil, on August 17, 1993, Carlos Prates' journey to the UFC was far from linear. Diagnosed with ADHD at age eight, his early professional MMA career in 2012 was marked by instability, including unsuitable weight classes and inconsistent training discipline. This resulted in a 5-4 record over his first nine fights, prompting a strategic pivot to Thailand to master Muay Thai. His childhood struggles in school preceded his eventual diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This neurological condition was identified when he was only eight years old.
This period in Thailand proved transformative. Prates evolved from a struggling fighter into a decorated striker, competing throughout Asia in tournaments such as Thailand's Full Metal Dojo and China's Chin Woo Men. By 2023, he had compiled a record of 15-6 before earning a spot on Dana White's Contender Series, where a second-round knockout secured his UFC contract.
Since his UFC debut in February 2024, Prates has become a prolific 'knockout artist.' He has secured seven Performance of the Night awards, tying him for fourth place in UFC history for that honor. As of June 20, 2026, he holds the #1 spot in the Meta UFC welterweight rankings, characterized by a striking style that utilizes long, rangy attacks and a notable habit of fighting with his hands low. His striking prowess is further evidenced by his high knockdown frequency. He currently holds the third highest knockdown average per 15 minutes in the welterweight division.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Carlos Prates
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