Carlos Prates

Carlos Prates is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and former Muay Thai fighter, currently competing in the UFC's welterweight division. As of June 2026, he holds the #1 spot in the Meta UFC welterweight rankings, trailing only champion Belal Muhammad. Prates is known for his aggressive striking style and has built a reputation as a dangerous finisher, amassing a six-fight winning streak in the UFC since joining the promotion in 2023. He trains at Team Alpha Male in California and is active on Instagram under the handle @thenightmare_170.[edit]

Carlos Prates was born in Taubaté, Brazil, and began training in Muay Thai as a teenager. He developed a strong striking foundation and went on to compile a 35-5 record in kickboxing before transitioning to mixed martial arts full-time. Prates made his professional MMA debut in 2016, fighting primarily in regional Brazilian promotions. He built a reputation as a powerful striker, amassing a 19-6 record before catching the attention of the UFC. His early MMA career was marked by a series of knockout wins that showcased his devastating left hook and aggressive pressure fighting. Prates also worked various jobs to support his training, including as a personal trainer and security guard, before MMA became his sole focus.[edit]

Prates joined the UFC in 2023 and immediately made an impact, embarking on a six-fight winning streak that propelled him up the welterweight rankings. Notable victories include knockout wins over Li Jingliang and Neil Magny, both of which earned him Performance of the Night bonuses. His aggressive style and ability to finish fights quickly made him a fan favorite. By June 2026, Prates had climbed to #1 in the Meta UFC welterweight rankings, positioning himself as a top contender for the title held by Belal Muhammad. He continues to train at Team Alpha Male, refining his striking and grappling under renowned coaches.[edit]

Prates is perceived by fans and media as a humble yet ferocious competitor. His calm demeanor outside the cage contrasts sharply with his aggressive fighting style, which has endeared him to the MMA community. He maintains an active social media presence, sharing training updates, fight highlights, and personal moments. Prates' fighting style is often described as "violent artistry" due to his precise striking and willingness to engage in brawls. He has not yet developed a formal fan club name, but his growing popularity suggests a dedicated following.[edit]

Carlos Prates commands a significant digital following, particularly on Instagram where he maintains 2.1 million followers who track his training and fight highlights. Despite this robust online presence, the audience for The Nightmare has not coalesced around a formal collective identity or specific nickname, operating instead as a standard engagement model for a high-profile UFC athlete rather than a distinct subculture with unique rituals or organized campaigns. While fans frequently debate his standing in the welterweight division, iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluated his profile in August 2026 and determined that he does not currently hold a placement within the published rankings of the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This absence from the official hierarchy reflects a status where his fame is concentrated within the combat sports sphere rather than achieving broad global penetration comparable to top-tier entertainers. His reputation as a dangerous finisher drives intense interest among MMA purists, yet these metrics have not translated into a quantifiable rank in the wider world of celebrity. The narrative surrounding him focuses heavily on his aggressive striking style and his vocal predictions regarding title fights, but without a documented fan base name or viral phenomena like street shutdowns, his cultural footprint remains defined by professional achievement rather than fandom mythology. iFANN notes that while his influence extends globally through events like Samurai Meets Fighting Nerds, the lack of a formalized fan structure distinguishes his following from those with dedicated, named communities.[edit]

Known as "The Nightmare," Carlos Prates enters the octagon with a formidable background in Muay Thai and kickboxing, boasting a 35-5 record across those disciplines before transitioning to mixed martial arts. His fighting arsenal is anchored by a devastating left hook that has secured numerous knockout victories, complemented by a deep proficiency in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under multiple black belts. Outside the cage, he balances rigorous training with surfing and cares for a pet dog named Tyson, a tribute to Mike Tyson. A persistent tale in MMA folklore involves a sparring session with Ian Machado Garry, who claimed to have dominated Prates for 24 minutes; while the exact context remains ambiguous, the story endures as a point of contention among fighters. Prates further cemented his role as a vocal figure when he publicly backed Garry to defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, a prediction that drew extensive media attention. In August 2026, he secured a decisive TKO at UFC Fight Night 275, immediately demanding a title shot and hinting at an untold narrative behind teammate Mauricio Ruffy's loss. His influence extends globally through participation in unique events such as Jiri Prochazka's European training trip, dubbed "Samurai Meets Fighting Nerds," which highlighted his growing stature within the international fighting community.[edit]

Prates was born in Taubaté, Brazil, to parents who supported his athletic pursuits from a young age. He has a younger brother who also trains in martial arts. Prates is not married and has no children. He currently resides in California near the Team Alpha Male gym, where he lives with his dog Tyson. Prates has spoken in interviews about the importance of family and frequently visits Brazil to see his parents and brother.[edit]

Carlos Prates trains at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California, alongside UFC fighters like Urijah Faber and Cody Garbrandt. He has frequently sparred with former champion Kamaru Usman during training camps. Prates is managed by the same agency that represents several top Brazilian fighters.[edit]

Carlos Prates keeps his personal life private. There are no confirmed public relationships or dating history reported in the media. As of 2026, Prates is reportedly single and focused on his fighting career.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Carlos Prates' net worth at $2 million. This figure is based on his earnings from UFC fight purses, win bonuses, and Performance of the Night bonuses. Prates has earned several $50,000 bonuses for his knockout victories, and his base salary per fight has increased as he climbed the rankings. Endorsement deals with local Brazilian brands and a sponsorship from a supplement company contribute additional income. Prates has also invested in real estate in Brazil and plans to open a gym after his fighting career.[edit]

Carlos Prates has won multiple Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC for his knockout victories. He also held the Jungle Fight welterweight championship before joining the UFC. He has not yet won any major MMA industry awards but is considered a rising star.[edit]