Imagine being on the cusp of UFC glory, only to be told you might have to wait. That’s the reality for Carlos Prates, who’s eyeing the welterweight title but knows the road to Islam Makhachev isn’t a straight shot. But here’s where it gets controversial: Prates isn’t just sitting around—he’s already picked his next target, and it’s a name that could shake up the division: Jack Della Maddalena.
After stunning the world with a knockout of ex-champion Leon Edwards at Madison Square Garden in November, Prates made it clear he’s ready for the big leagues. But with Makhachev’s recent dominance and the complex web of contender politics, Prates knows he might need one more fight to solidify his case. Enter Della Maddalena, a fighter Prates believes is the perfect stepping stone.
In a candid conversation with MMA Fighting during a Corinthians game in São Paulo, Prates laid out his strategy. The setting was electric—a stadium tour, a meet-and-greet with players, and a thrilling Brasileirão match against Botafogo—but Prates’ focus was clear. “If Kamaru Usman gets the title shot, I’ll need another fight,” he explained. “But if it’s not Usman, I’m next in line.”
Usman, a legend in the division with only one win since 2021 (over Joaquin Buckley), is a wildcard. Makhachev, meanwhile, is fresh off a dominant victory over Della Maddalena, adding another layer of intrigue. And this is the part most people miss: Prates isn’t just aiming for a fight—he’s playing the long game, strategically positioning himself for a title shot in 2026.
“There’s a lot involved when the UFC makes these decisions,” Prates admitted. “Makhachev’s preferences, management ties—it’s not just about skill. Usman is one of the greatest, maybe the greatest in the division. So, whatever happens, I’m ready.”
Prates doesn’t see a Makhachev-Usman matchup ending in Usman’s favor, but he’s not counting on it. Instead, he’s targeting April 2026 for a numbered card in Las Vegas, where he hopes to face Della Maddalena. “He just lost the belt, so beating him would be a clear path to the title,” Prates said. “That’s the plan. By mid-next year, we’re there.”
Prates’ confidence isn’t unwarranted. His 6-1 record in the UFC, with all wins by knockout, speaks for itself. His victory over Edwards at UFC 322 even earned him a $50,000 performance bonus. But not everyone was thrilled with his performance—least of all his mother, Regina. “She was confident, but she didn’t like when Edwards took my back,” Prates shared with a laugh. “I thanked her, and she said, ‘Cool, but no more of that, okay?’”
Here’s the bold question: Is Prates’ strategy too calculated, or is he simply playing the game better than anyone else? With Makhachev, Usman, and Della Maddalena all in the mix, the welterweight division is a powder keg. Prates is ready to light the fuse—but will it lead him to the title, or will he get burned along the way? Let us know what you think in the comments—is Prates’ next move a masterstroke, or is he underestimating the competition?
