Carlos Prates bummed ‘simpler combat’ vs. Randy Brown fell by way of… till he heard ‘UFC predominant occasion’

LAS VEGAS – Carlos Prates is on the verge of UFC stardom, or so it appears to some.

If exercise is any indicator, the UFC thinks so, too. Prates (20-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is booked for his fourth promotional combat in 10 months, Saturday when he headlines UFC Fight Night 247 towards Neil Magny (29-12 MMA, 22-11 UFC).

The bout is Prates’ first UFC predominant occasion and he’s excited concerning the alternative.

“I had a combat towards Randy Brown on Nov. 16 in New York,” Prates instructed MMA Junkie and different reporters at a pre-fight information convention Wednesday. I used to be actually proud of that chance to combat in Madison Sq. Backyard on the identical day as Jon Jones. However he stated one thing that he’d combat me Dec. 7. I didn’t perceive why. Then, the UFC gave me the combat towards Neil Magny on the principle occasion and I used to be actually excited.”

Initially, Prates admits the prospect of combating at Madison Sq. Backyard far outweighed another potentialities he might consider. However the second his supervisor Lucas Lutkus instructed him of the supply on the desk, his angle modified instantly.

“I used to be within the gymnasium,” Prates stated. “(Lutkus) stated, ‘You aren’t going to combat Randy Brown, however you’ve gotten a brand new opponent one week earlier than.’ I used to be like, ‘No manner. I don’t need to combat one week earlier than.’ He stated, ‘Oh, it’s the principle occasion towards Neil Magny.’ I used to be like, ‘In fact. Let’s go. Let’s go. It’s a very good alternative.

“… It’s higher. I feel Randy Brown is a better combat than Neil Magny. He’s a lot straightforward cash. However you understand the principle occasion, we get the bonus to combat the principle occasion, more cash and in addition the principle occasions are the most important reveals on the planet. I feel it’s a greater change.”

The stand up the welterweight ladder has been a fast one for Prates, who will possible enter the UFC rankings if he wins Saturday. Prates credit his ending talents for the quick ascent.

“I requested for the combat as a result of I end the fights actually quick,” Prates stated. “I feel it’s the principle purpose, you understand? I at all times end the combat, after which I combat in two months or one thing like that. I ask to combat anyone after they do an interview within the octagon.”

Ought to he win, Prates thinks he’ll be two or three fights away from a UFC title shot. He desires to combat in February at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, then compete twice extra to spherical out the yr – a bit slower of a tempo, however a needed one to heal up some nagging accidents.

“I’ve been coaching so arduous, and to be sincere, I’m going to combat Neil Magny on Saturday, after which I’m on the lookout for a combat in Australia in February,” Prates stated. “Then, I’ll take slightly break to maintain my physique, my well being. It’s good additionally that I’m conserving coaching and combating. It’s good additionally. However now it’s time to, like I say, to assume with my mind, not with my coronary heart.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Fight Night 247.