Between triumphs, new beginnings, and moments of reflection, the New Year's Eve celebrations of Alex Poatan , Charles do Bronx , and Carlos Prates symbolized the rollercoaster ride experienced by Brazil's main UFC representatives in 2025. Between fireworks, romance, training, family, and partying, the turn of the year for these three central figures in Brazilian MMA reflected their personalities and current situations both inside and outside the octagon. Check out how the trio celebrated New Year's Eve.
Alex Poatán
The light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) and constantly flirting with a possible move up to heavyweight (up to 120,2kg), Alex Poatan spent New Year's Eve with his children. In an intimate setting, the champion set off a small fireworks display in the snow and also took the opportunity to announce a new relationship with fellow UFC fighter Tracy Cortez.
Alex Poatan spent New Year's Eve with Tracy Cortez . Photo: Instagram / Alex Poatan
Charles of the Bronx
With his BMF title fight against Max Holloway scheduled for UFC 326 on March 7th, Charles Oliveira ended the year fully focused. The former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) shared photos of a submission training session on social media and then celebrated the New Year with his wife and children.
Charles do Bronx during training. Photo: Instagram / Charles do Bronx
Charles from the Bronx and his New Year's Eve with family. Photo: Instagram / Charles from the Bronx
Carlos Prates
On the verge of winning a title fight in the welterweight division (up to 77kg), Carlos Prates chose a different path for the New Year's celebration. The Brazilian celebrated with friends at a party with drinks on the beach in Ubatuba, on the coast of São Paulo.
Poatan, Do Bronx, and Carlos Prates could become UFC champions in 2026.
Despite starting 2025 with significant losses, Alex Poatan , Charles do Bronx , and Carlos Prates ended the season in privileged positions, emerging as strong contenders to reach the top of the UFC in 2026.
Current light heavyweight champion Alex Poatan has experienced highs and lows throughout the year. After being defeated by Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 , the Brazilian bounced back by regaining the belt at UFC 320. Now, in addition to consolidating his reign at 93kg, the fighter is approaching his long-awaited move up to heavyweight, with the possibility of pursuing an unprecedented triple championship in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Charles Oliveira also went through a difficult time at the beginning of the season. The São Paulo native had the chance to reclaim the lightweight belt when he fought for the vacant title against Ilia Topuria , but ended up being knocked out in the first round by the Spaniard. Following that, when some fans were already suggesting that the 'Bold Lion' was nearing the end of his career, Oliveira responded inside the octagon: he masterfully submitted Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio and secured a fight against Max Holloway for the BMF belt. If he wins, in addition to taking home the symbolic title, the Brazilian could get closer to a rematch against Topuria for the undisputed belt.
Carlos Prates started 2025 stumbling against Ian Garry , in a fight that could have catapulted him to the top of the welterweight division. After the defeat, the Fighting Nerds smoker took a step back in the title race, but returned strongly by knocking out Geoff Neal and Leon Edwards in succession. With that, Prates consolidated himself as one of the main names in the fight to become the next challenger for the belt currently held by Islam Makhachev.
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