Knockout of the year! Carlos Prates knocks out Geoff Neal and earns a spot at UFC Rio

He's back! Carlos Prates showed no mercy and knocked out Geoff Neal with a beautiful spinning elbow in the last second of the first round in a fight valid for the welterweight category (up to 77,1 kg) on ​​the main card of UFC 319, in the early hours of this Sunday (17). With the victory, the Brazilian recovered from the setback suffered against Ian Garry in April of this year and became one of the candidates for the Knockout of the Year award.

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Carlos Prates' Muay Thai was too much for his opponent

Carlos Prates defeated Geoff Neal at UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/X.

The two athletes started the fight at an intense pace. The Brazilian dominated the center of the octagon and began landing powerful kicks to the American's front leg. A feisty Neal was undeterred and landed solid punches on Prates as he closed the distance. However, the clash of aggression bore fruit for the veteran within minutes.

Prates proceeded to damage his opponent's waistline with perfectly placed knees, forcing Neal to grapple and pin him against the fence. After defending the takedown, the Nightmare landed a perfect spinning elbow, knocking the American out with exactly four minutes and 59 seconds on the clock.

Carlos Prates in victory at UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

As a result, referee Jason Herzog was forced to stop the fight. Prates became the first man to defeat Neal by knockout in the UFC.

The nightmare is BACK

[ #UFC319 | @TheNightmare170 ] pic.twitter.com/igS3CpUggc

— UFC (@ufc) August 17, 2025

Dana White confirms Carlos Prates at UFC Rio

Carlos Prates is a prominent Brazilian fighter in the UFC. Photo: Instagram / Carlos Prates

In an in-octagon interview with Joe Rogan, the Brazilian addressed Dana White and requested a performance bonus and the opportunity to fight former champion Leon Edwards at UFC Rio, which takes place on October 11th and features Charles Oliveira in the main event. Rogan confirmed that Prates will be on the card, although he did not provide details about the opponent.

UFC 319 results

MAIN CARD (23pm Brasília time)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-44) – title fight

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Lerone Murphy defeated Aaron Pico by knockout (spinning elbow) at 3:21 of the first round.

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Carlos Prates defeated Geoff Neal by knockout (spinning elbow) at 4:59 of the first round.

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Michael Page defeated Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Tim Elliott defeated Kai Asakura by submission (guillotine choke) at 4:39 of round 2.

PRELIMINARY CARD (19pm Brasília time)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Baysangur Susurkaev defeated Eric Nolan by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:01 of R2

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Michal Oleksiejczuk defeated Gerald Meerschaert by technical knockout at 3:03 of round 1.

Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Lupita Godinez defeated Jéssica Bate-Estaca by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Alexander Hernandez defeated Chase Hooper by technical knockout at 4:58 of round 1.

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Drakkar Klose defeated Edson Barboza by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Karine Silva defeated Dione Barbosa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joseph Morales submits Alibi Idiris with a triangle choke at 3:04 of R2 – TUF 33 final

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