Carlos Prates is ready to prove that a minor setback won’t define his trajectory in the UFC welterweight division. After a competitive five-round clash with Ian Machado Garry at UFC 319 ended in a loss, Prates is eager to bounce back when he faces Geoff Neal in a three-round showdown at Chicago’s United Center. For Prates, it’s about more than just redemption—it’s about sharpening his approach and reminding the division who he is.
Learning the Hard Way
“I learned a lot about how to listen to my coach, first of all, how important the right game plan is,” Prates said during a pre-fight news conference on Wednesday, speaking to MMA Junkie and other media outlets. “Ian is a smart fighter, really intelligent, but the experience taught me something bigger. Sometimes you need to stop thinking about bonuses or knockouts and just focus on winning. That’s what really matters at the end of the day.”
The quote reflects a fighter who has matured through his career. For Prates, the early years of fighting were all about making a statement—flashy knockouts, entertaining the crowd—but now, his sights are firmly set on strategy and results. This approach could make all the difference when he faces a dangerous opponent like Neal, a seasoned UFC competitor with an 8-4 record in the promotion.
A Look Back at Prates’ Journey
Prates, 31, has had a career full of highs and lows, which only adds to the intrigue of his upcoming matchup. Before joining the UFC in August 2023, Prates suffered several setbacks. Yet, he quickly turned the corner once he was officially on the roster, scoring knockouts against notable fighters such as Trevin Giles, Charles Radtke, Li Jingliang, and Neil Magny. These wins showcased his striking power, adaptability, and ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
But the Garry fight was different. Prates nearly finished the Irishman late in the bout, showing his signature resilience and finishing instincts. Unfortunately for Prates, Garry’s experience and strategic acumen over five rounds proved too much, resulting in a unanimous decision loss. Even so, Prates believes the fight was less a derailment and more a learning opportunity.
The Next Challenge: Geoff Neal
Enter Geoff Neal: a fighter who is both powerful and technically sound. With a 16-6 MMA record and a solid UFC tenure, Neal represents a significant step up in competition. Prates is fully aware of what’s at stake. A win over Neal could catapult him back into title contention territory, potentially putting him within a fight or two of a belt shot.
“After beating Geoff Neal, it’s going to make life at the top of the division much more interesting,” Prates said. “When you talk about who’s close to a title shot, maybe one, two, or three fights away, my name hasn’t been there after the last fight. But I think a win against Neal will put me back in that conversation. Maybe a year from now, maybe three fights from now, I can be fighting for the belt.”
What This Fight Means for the Division
The UFC welterweight landscape is dynamic. Names are constantly moving in and out of title contention, and momentum is everything. Prates’ ability to rebound quickly could have ripple effects across the division. A decisive win over Neal wouldn’t just restore his status—it could shift the positioning of several other top contenders.
For fans, the Prates-Neal fight promises excitement and strategy. Both fighters are capable of explosive finishes, yet both have shown the ability to go the distance. Prates brings power and persistence, while Neal offers experience, precision, and the ability to adapt mid-fight. The clash of styles makes this one of the more intriguing matchups on the UFC 319 card.
Mental and Tactical Growth
One of the more compelling narratives is Prates’ growth as a fighter. Earlier in his career, the focus might have been on entertaining fans and chasing post-fight bonuses. Now, there’s a marked shift toward discipline, strategic preparation, and executing the game plan. This mental maturation could be the edge Prates needs to overcome Neal and advance in the division.
Fans will notice a different kind of energy from Prates inside the cage. It’s less about showmanship and more about calculated aggression. Every strike, every takedown attempt, and every moment of movement will be driven by purpose. The result could be a performance that blends excitement with effectiveness—a combination that often leads to the kind of victory that gets fighters closer to the ultimate prize: the UFC title.
Key Pointers for Fans to Watch
-
Adaptability: Prates’ ability to adjust mid-fight after the lessons learned from Garry could be decisive.
-
Striking vs. Grappling: Neal is dangerous in both areas; Prates’ challenge is to neutralize Neal’s strengths while exploiting openings.
-
Mental Focus: Prates’ emphasis on winning over bonuses could lead to a more disciplined and methodical approach.
-
Finish Potential: While strategy is key, don’t underestimate Prates’ knockout power, which has ended fights against top-tier opponents in spectacular fashion.
The Road Ahead
A victory over Neal could set Prates on a trajectory toward elite status in the UFC. He could re-enter conversations around title contention, joining the ranks of fighters just a few bouts away from a championship shot. Whether it’s a knockout, a decision, or a combination of tactical dominance, a win in Chicago would make a strong statement: Prates isn’t just bouncing back—he’s evolving into a more complete fighter ready to tackle the best in the world.
As fight week builds toward the main event, all eyes will be on Prates’ performance. His story resonates with fans who appreciate resilience, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. With Neal standing across the cage, Prates has both a challenge and an opportunity: to prove that setbacks are temporary and that a champion’s mindset can turn lessons into victories.
Login