LAS VEGAS– Carlos Prates is on the brink of UFC fame, or so it appears to some.
If activity is any sign, the UFC believes so, too. Prates (20-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is reserved for his 4th marketing battle in 10 months, Saturday when he headings UFC Fight Night 247 versus Neil Magny (29-12 MMA, 22-11 UFC).
The bout is Prates' very first UFC centerpiece and he's thrilled about the chance.
“I had a battle versus Randy Brown on Nov. 16 in New York,” Prates informed MMA Junkie and other press reporters at a pre-fight press conference Wednesday. I was actually pleased with that chance to combat in Madison Square Garden on the exact same day as Jon Jones. He stated something that he ‘d battle me Dec. 7. I did not comprehend why. The UFC offered me the battle versus Neil Magny on the primary occasion and I was truly thrilled.”
Prates confesses the possibility of combating at Madison Square Garden far surpassed any other possibilities he might believe of. The minute his supervisor Lucas Lutkus informed him of the deal on the table, his mindset altered in an immediate.
“I remained in the health club,” Prates stated. “(Lutkus) stated, ‘You aren't going to battle Randy Brown, however you have a brand-new challenger one week previously.' I resembled, ‘No method. I do not wish to battle one week previously.' He stated, ‘Oh, it's the centerpiece versus Neil Magny.' I resembled, ‘Of course. Let's go. Let's go. It's an actually great chance.
… It's much better. I believe Randy Brown is a simpler battle than Neil Magny. He is much simple cash. You understand the primary occasion, we get the reward to battle the primary occasion, more cash and likewise the primary occasions are the most significant programs in the world. I believe it's a much better modification.”
The rise the welterweight ladder has actually been a fast one for Prates, who will likely get in the UFC rankings if he wins Saturday. Prates credits his ending up capabilities for the quick climb.
“I requested for the battle due to the fact that I complete the battles truly quickly,” Prates stated. “I believe it's the primary factor, you understand? I constantly complete the battle, and after that I battle in 2 months or something like that. I ask to combat someone when they do an interview in the octagon.”
Must he win, Prates believes he'll be 2 or 3 battles far from a UFC title shot. He wishes to battle in February at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, then complete two times more to complete the year– a bit slower of a rate, however a needed one to recover up some unpleasant injuries.
“I have actually been training so hard, and to be truthful, I'm going to combat Neil Magny on Saturday, and after that I'm searching for a battle in Australia in February,” Prates stated.