Conor McGregor almost faced Carlos Prates at UFC Casa Branca, reveals journalist.

Conor McGregor almost faced Carlos Prates at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: Reproduction/Montage SUPER LUTAS

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The possibility of a duel between Conor McGregor and Carlos Prates was discussed for this year. Before the Brazilian had his fight confirmed against Jack Della Maddalena for May 2nd , the pair, according to a journalist, were close to being part of the highly anticipated UFC Casa Branca card , scheduled for June.

According to Ariel Helwani, Prates' name was presented to McGregor's team during preliminary talks about the event scheduled for June 14th. According to the journalist, the former UFC champion reacted positively to the idea of ​​the fight, although negotiations took a different direction, with the duel remaining only in the planning stages.

“They talked about Carlos Prates , that’s true. And, from what I understood, Conor said something like: ‘sure, let’s do it’. In other words, he didn’t rule out the fight at that moment. But, after that, the conversations took a different turn and the idea didn’t go ahead,” the journalist revealed.

🚨👀 According to Ariel Helwani, Conor McGregor was open to fighting Carlos Prates at the White House.

“They did talk about Carlos Prates , that is true. And my understanding is [Conor] said 'sure, let's go'. Then they went in a different direction.”

(via @arielhelwani ) pic.twitter.com/XcbmIsM7im

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Although the possibility was discussed, the situation quickly changed. Currently, Prates already has a fight scheduled against Jack Della Maddalena for UFC Perth , on May 2nd, in Australia.

Carlos Prates says McGregor avoided the confrontation.

Carlos Prates at a UFC event. Photo: Press release/Facebook/UFC

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In an interview with the channel 'Laerte Viana na Área – MMA', the Brazilian commented on the behind-the-scenes events involving his name and stated that he heard the UFC offered the fight to the Irishman . According to Prates, however, McGregor preferred not to proceed with the negotiation.

“Conor chickened out, ran away, and they put me against Jack Della Maddalena . I think he didn't want to fight me because I'm bad. The guy has been out of action for five years, he's not even in this weight class, although he did his last fights at 77 kg. I'm in a very good phase, knocking everyone out,” the fighter stated.

Even while criticizing the decision, Prates said he understands the former UFC champion's possible apprehension given his current career situation. Riding a winning streak with knockout victories, the Fighting Nerds athlete believes his rise in MMA may have influenced the Irishman's choice.

“I believe that if I were in his place, I might not accept it either. I'm on a roll, knocking everyone out and arriving with a lot of hype. So that might have been it,” the Brazilian concluded.

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