Carlos Prates wasn’t excited till he heard most important occasion

LAS VEGAS – Carlos Prates is on the verge of UFC stardom, or so it appears to some.

If exercise is any indicator, the UFC thinks so, too. Prates (20-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is booked for his fourth promotional combat in 10 months, Saturday when he headlines UFC Struggle Evening 247 towards Neil Magny (29-12 MMA, 22-11 UFC).

The bout is Prates’ first UFC most important occasion and he’s excited concerning the alternative.

“I had a combat towards Randy Brown on Nov. 16 in New York,” Prates informed MMA Junkie and different reporters at a pre-fight information convention Wednesday. I used to be actually proud of that chance to combat in Madison Sq. Backyard on the identical day as Jon Jones. However he stated one thing that he’d combat me Dec. 7. I didn’t perceive why. Then, the UFC gave me the combat towards Neil Magny on the principle occasion and I used to be actually excited.”

Initially, Prates admits the prospect of preventing at Madison Sq. Backyard far outweighed another potentialities he may consider. However the second his supervisor Lucas Lutkus informed him of the supply on the desk, his angle modified immediately.

“I used to be within the fitness center,” Prates stated. “(Lutkus) stated, ‘You aren’t going to combat Randy Brown, however you may have a brand new opponent one week earlier than.’ I used to be like, ‘No approach. I don’t wish to combat one week earlier than.’ He stated, ‘Oh, it’s the principle occasion towards Neil Magny.’ I used to be like, ‘In fact. Let’s go. Let’s go. It’s a extremely good alternative.

“… It’s higher. I believe Randy Brown is a better combat than Neil Magny. He’s a lot simple cash. However you already know the principle occasion, we get the bonus to combat the principle occasion, more cash and in addition the principle occasions are the largest reveals on the earth. I believe it’s a greater change.”

The stand up the welterweight ladder has been a fast one for Prates, who will possible enter the UFC rankings if he wins Saturday. Prates credit his ending skills for the quick ascent.

“I requested for the combat as a result of I end the fights actually quick,” Prates stated. “I believe it’s the principle motive, you already know? I at all times end the combat, after which I combat in two months or one thing like that. I ask to combat someone once they do an interview within the octagon.”

Ought to he win, Prates thinks he’ll be two or three fights away from a UFC title shot. He desires to combat in February at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, then compete twice extra to spherical out the yr – a bit slower of a tempo, however a vital one to heal up some nagging accidents.

“I’ve been coaching so onerous, and to be sincere, I’m going to combat Neil Magny on Saturday, after which I’m searching for a combat in Australia in February,” Prates stated. “Then, I’ll take a little bit break to handle my physique, my well being. It’s good additionally that I’m maintaining coaching and preventing. It’s good additionally. However now it’s time to, like I say, to assume with my mind, not with my coronary heart.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Struggle Evening 247.