Prates focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Carlos Prates not only achieved the biggest victory of his career at UFC Perth , but also received a great boost from one of the leading MMA fighters today. Last Saturday (2), in the main event, the Brazilian put on a show and knocked out Jack Della Maddalena , former welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg), in the third round in Australia. As a result of the performance, the member of the 'Fighting Nerds' team caught the attention of Islam Makhachev , the title holder.
On his official 'X' account, the feared Russian congratulated Prates on his victory, which brought him closer to a title shot in the highly competitive division. Interestingly, in his last appearance in the octagon, which took place in November, Makhachev became welterweight champion precisely by dominating the Australian. Now, the Brazilian is the first athlete to knock out JDM in the UFC.
Because he has a friendly rivalry with the Brazilian fighter, Islam even joked with him, giving him a nickname. This is because, backstage at UFC 322 in 2025, the Russian, while struggling to make weight, was surprised to see Prates, in the final stages of his weight cut, eating a chocolate cake, something unusual before the professionals step on the scale. Therefore, the episode is further proof of how different the 'Nerd' is.
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"Good job, Nutella cake," wrote the UFC champion.
Victims of Prates in the UFC
In the UFC since 2024, Carlos Prates has risen rapidly and joined the elite of the welterweight division. In the octagon, the Brazilian put on a show by knocking out Trevin Giles , Charles Radtke, Li Jingliang , Neil Magny , Geoff Neal , Leon Edwards , and Jack Della Maddalena , earning seven 'Performance of the Night' bonuses. Currently, the fighter is ranked fifth in the division.
Good job Nutella cake #ufcperth
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 2, 2026
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