Carlos Augusto Monteiro Prates Bio
Carlos Augusto Monteiro Prates, born August 17, 1993, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and former Muay Thai fighter. He competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is known for his aggressive striking and knockout power. Prates has built a reputation through his performances in Asia and the UFC, earning multiple Performance of the Night bonuses.
Early Life and Background
Carlos Prates was born in Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil, to a single mother. He began training in Muay Thai during his teenage years at Vale Top Team, a gym that played a crucial role in his early development. After four years of Muay Thai training, he transitioned to mixed martial arts to expand his fighting skills.
His formative years included a significant period in Thailand, where he refined his Muay Thai technique and competed extensively. This experience was instrumental in shaping his striking abilities and overall fight strategy. Prates currently resides in Taubaté, Brazil, continuing his training with Vale Top Team and Fighting Nerds.
Path to MMA
Prates started his professional MMA career in 2012, initially competing in featherweight and lightweight divisions before settling into the welterweight class in 2016. His early career was marked by challenges, including a 5-4 record in his first nine fights, attributed to competing in unsuitable weight classes and inconsistent training discipline.
Seeking improvement, Prates moved to Thailand to focus on Muay Thai, which enhanced his striking skills and competitive edge. He fought extensively across Asia, including in China’s Chin Woo Men and Thailand’s Full Metal Dojo events, gaining valuable experience and recognition. In 2019, he joined ONE Championship’s Warrior Series, securing notable wins that raised his profile in the MMA community.
Carlos Prates Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Prates debuted professionally in 2012 and faced a rocky start with a 5-4 record in his first nine bouts. Early setbacks were due to competing at featherweight and lightweight divisions, which did not suit his frame and fighting style. During this period, he trained primarily in Brazil but sought to improve his skill set by focusing on striking and grappling techniques.
His move to Thailand in 2016 marked a turning point, allowing him to train intensively in Muay Thai and compete in regional kickboxing and Muay Thai events. This experience helped him develop a more refined striking approach and greater fight IQ, setting the stage for his transition to welterweight MMA competition.
Asian MMA and ONE Championship Breakthrough (2016–2023)
After returning to MMA in 2016, Prates competed mainly in Asian promotions, where he built a solid record and gained attention for his aggressive style and finishing ability. His participation in ONE Championship’s Warrior Series in 2019 was a highlight, where he defeated notable opponents such as Gunther Kalunda, showcasing his striking and submission skills.
During this period, Prates compiled a 15-6 record, demonstrating steady improvement and resilience. His performances earned him an invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series, a platform for fighters to earn UFC contracts through impressive showings.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2024–Present)
Carlos Prates made his UFC debut on February 10, 2024, at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Pyfer, winning by knockout in the second round against Trevin Giles. This victory earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus. He continued his winning streak with a first-round knee knockout against Charles Radtke and a left hook knockout of Li Jingliang at UFC 305, securing consecutive Performance of the Night awards.
Prates headlined UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Prates, where he defended all takedown attempts and won by first-round knockout, earning his fourth straight Performance of the Night bonus. After a loss to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025, he rebounded with a first-round knockout win over Geoff Neal and a knockout victory against former UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards, continuing to impress with his finishing ability and earning additional Performance of the Night honors.
Driving Style and Strengths
Prates fights from a southpaw stance and is known for his powerful striking, particularly his knockout punches and knees to the body. His extensive Muay Thai background provides him with excellent clinch work and striking versatility. He combines aggressive offense with solid takedown defense, making him a well-rounded welterweight competitor. His partnership with Vale Top Team and Fighting Nerds supports his strategic approach and conditioning.
Notable Events and Milestones
Prates has earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC, highlighting his exciting fighting style and finishing ability. His knockout of Li Jingliang marked the first time Jingliang was stopped by knockout. Prates also successfully headlined a UFC Fight Night event, a significant milestone in his career. His rise to #6 in the UFC welterweight rankings as of November 2025 reflects his rapid ascent in the division.
Carlos Prates Career Wins
Throughout his career, Carlos Prates has amassed 23 wins out of 30 professional MMA fights. His victories include knockouts, submissions, and decisions, showcasing his versatility as a fighter. His UFC tenure is marked by a string of impressive knockout finishes and consistent high-level performances.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Prates has secured multiple knockout wins in the UFC, including his debut KO against Trevin Giles and a notable first-round KO of Li Jingliang. His ability to finish fights early has earned him five Performance of the Night bonuses, underscoring his impact in the welterweight division. His recent victory over former champion Leon Edwards further cements his status as a top contender.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Prates competed extensively in Asian MMA promotions and ONE Championship’s Warrior Series, where he compiled a strong record and gained valuable experience. His Muay Thai career also includes several notable wins by knockout and decision, contributing to his striking prowess in MMA.
Carlos Prates Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Carlos Prates was raised by a single mother in Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil. There is no public information about any family involvement in combat sports or martial arts lineage. His background reflects a self-made athlete who developed his skills through dedication and training rather than familial ties to the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Prates’ personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a focus on his professional career and training in Taubaté, Brazil.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a breakthrough year for Carlos Prates. Despite a setback in April against Ian Machado Garry, he rebounded strongly with knockout wins over Geoff Neal and Leon Edwards. These victories have elevated his ranking and established him as a serious contender in the welterweight division. His dynamic striking and resilience have been key factors in his success this year.
Prates continues to train with Vale Top Team and Fighting Nerds, benefiting from strong coaching and strategic support. His momentum heading into the latter part of 2025 positions him for potential title contention and further high-profile matchups in the UFC.