Carlos Prates eyes a spot in the main event of UFC Rio and mentions his dream opponents: 'I don't know if it's too much to ask'

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

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Carlos Prates can be an important reinforcement for the newly confirmed UFC Rio, scheduled for October 4th. With the schedules of the main Brazilian fighters quite tight, fans are still waiting to find out which big name will complete the card. Among the possible candidates is Prates, who, even with a fight scheduled for UFC 319, doesn't want to miss out on the event.

In an interview with PVT, the Fighting Nerds representative showed confidence in stating that he can overcome Geoff neal quickly and thus request his presence at UFC Rio. According to him, performing in Brazil would be special and a unique opportunity.

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“I want to fight at UFC Rio, man. I'm going to get there and I'm going to beat Geoff neal "Quickly. With all due respect, I'm going to get there and break him. I'm going to submit him or knock him out, I don't know how, but I really want to fight in Brazil," said Prates.

The Brazilian also revealed his ambition to compete in a main event on home soil against a big name in the division. Among the opponents he considers ideal are: Colby covington, MichaelMorales e Leon edwards. Another possibility mentioned is Joaquin buckley, which occupies a higher position in the ranking.

“I don’t know if it’s too much to ask, but a main event in Brazil against Colby covington would be animal. Or against the MichaelMorales, Leon edwards. One of those names there… (Fighting Covington) would be awesome. Or, I would say, Buckley, who is ahead of him in the rankings,” he concluded.

Before dreaming about UFC Rio, however, Prates has an immediate commitment. The fighter faces Geoff neal at UFC 319, scheduled for August 16. The duel was originally scheduled for... UFC 314, but it had to be postponed after the American withdrew due to injury.

In addition to the fight between Carlos Prates e Geoff neal, UFC 319 will feature a middleweight title fight (up to 83,9 kg) between Dricus Du Plessis e Khamzat Shimaev with Caio Borralho cast as an official reserve.