Carlos Prates

ANALYSIS
It was a baffling performance from Prates in the biggest fight of his career. He spent the first four rounds doing nothing. Garry outclassed him in every sense of the word. Prates didn't seem tired, but he also didn't seem to have any desire to let his hands go and truly engage with Garry. The best thing about his game through 20 mins was his takedown defense. Then everything changed. Aided by Garry clearly being exhausted, Prates got his opponent in a compromising position on the mat and had a chance to win the fight with about 30 seconds left if he just kept unloading hammer fists. Instead, Prates let Garry off the hook and lost the decision. It would have been an unimpressive effort even if the miracle comeback came to fruition. Garry is a quality opponent, but this was a lousy effort in a big spot. It's Prates' first loss in five UFC bouts.

ANALYSIS
Prates was expected to face Geoff Neal in a welterweight matchup at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami, but instead, he'll have two more weeks to prepare for this main event against Garry. He's won his previous four fights in the first two rounds and will look to do the same against Garry, who's coming off the first loss of his career in December 2024.

ANALYSIS
Prates is one of the hottest fighters in a deep welterweight division, having one each of his first four UFC bouts in within two rounds and getting awarded a post-fight bonus in each. He most recently erased perennial gatekeeper Neil Magny in November, but he now gets a step up in competition against Neal, who was once regarded as one of the division's top prospects. Neal, who has lost two of his last three, has a slight edge in volume striking, but Prates defends himself better, in addition to owning advantages in both height and reach.

ANALYSIS
Entering as a -800 favorite in his first UFC main event, Prates was given a cakewalk matchup here against Magny and took full advantage. He did a nice job of remaining upright, fending off all seven of Neil's takedown attempts before predictably overwhelming his opponent on the feet. Prates has insane power and showed it off with a pair of knockdowns, the second of which appeared to just barely connect. Carlos is now 4-0 in the UFC, with four knockouts victories in his resume. He also has a knockout victory on Dana White's Contender Series on his ledger. Too young to be considered a true prospect at age 31, the company might as well push Prades to the moon right away and let the chips fall where they may.

ANALYSIS
Prates is red-hot going into the fight as he has won three consecutive fights via knockout, including his KO victory over Li Jianliang on Aug. 17. He will put his undefeated UFC record on the line versus Magny and his career 27-12-0 record.