Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales? Fans theorize about a UFC fight after the Fighting Nerds smoker's training session.

Carlos Prates e MichaelMorales They are standouts in the UFC welterweight division. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

Carlos Prates may be facing an aligned confrontation against MichaelMorales in the UFC octagon. After rumors point to Ian Gary as the first challenger of Islam makhachev In the welterweight division (up to 77kg), South American prospects may be on a collision course to determine who is next in line, at least that's what some fans believe.

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While have challenged Jack Della Maddalena, a specialist in stand-up fighting and a southpaw, Carlos Prates He appeared in Instagram stories during a sparring session where he defended takedowns, applied blitzes, and faced right-handed opponents, characteristics similar to those of... MichaelMoralesAfter the videos were published, fans began to theorize that the 'smoker' might be preparing to share the octagon with the 'Ecuadorian Spiderman'.

We will see Carlos Prates against MichaelMorales?

Based on recent interactions, I was certain that the Smoker would face Jack Della Madalena.

But today he posted this sparring story, and the combination of no left-handed partner + defending takedowns made me scratch my head. pic.twitter.com/6Rwk78Xxmv

— Showtime✍🏾 (@reisxgabriel) February 18, 2026

Check out the fan theories about Carlos Prates' next opponent in the UFC.

Besides defending takedowns, he seems to be strategizing against the blitzes that Morales throws while standing; the sparring partner has a similar physique.

— Caio Alandia (@AlandiaCaio) February 18, 2026

It was the right thing to do:

Islam vs. Ian

Morales vs. Prates

If Islam wins, he faces the winner of the other fight; if he loses, he has a rematch against Ian.

— Junior Oliveira (@Jun1nh0_2020) February 19, 2026

Morales is going to get knocked out; his striking is far inferior to Prates'. His only option is to take him to the ground.

— K (@Costa199999) February 19, 2026

Carlos Prates wants to face Jack Della Maddalena in the UFC.

After rumors pointed to a confrontation of Islam makhachev against Ian Gary. Carlos Prates He moved forward and began to aim at Jack Della Maddalena as his next opponent. Through social media, the smoker suggested a confrontation against the Australian in the main event of UFC Perth, scheduled for April.