Carlos Prates is scheduled to face former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena this Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Perth, and he feels with a victory he could be looking at a shot at the belt next.
Prates is currently ranked No. 5 at 170-pounds, and is fresh off his highlight KO of former champion Leon Edwards. Now, he will look to add another former titleholder to his hit list with a win over ‘JDM’ as the Brazilian rides his two-fight finish streak.
Of course, things are still being ironed out for current division king Islam Makhachev’s first title defense, with things seeming to lean towards the Russian facing Ian Machado Garry in August at UFC 330. With a win this weekend, over a second consecutive former champion, Prates feels firmly that he could be facing the winner of the potential matchup between Makhachev and Garry.
“Yeah, it’s gonna be cool, you know? I have good memories in that arena,” Prates told MMA Junkie. “I have a bonus already there, and I hope to get another one.”
“I don’t think the fight’s gonna go five rounds, but if it’s there, I’m gonna be ready,” Prates said. “I’m ready for everything.”
“Nobody gonna beat two former champs in a row, and for sure I will be the next,” Prates said. “… I mean, I will be the next after August. Islam gonna fight Ian, and then after that, I’m gonna get the winner.”
(h/t MMA Junkie)