Carlos Prates, the Brazilian welterweight ranked No. 5 at 170 pounds, has dismissed widespread speculation about a potential fight against former UFC double champion Conor McGregor at the upcoming UFC event at the White House. Prates emphasized that his focus remains firmly on pursuing the UFC welterweight title by securing matches that will position him closer to a championship opportunity. The 32-year-old, known as “The Nightmare,” is targeting a bout with former champion Jack Della Maddalena as his next step instead.
Prates’ only UFC defeat came against Ian Machado Garry in 2025, yet he quickly rebounded with significant victories, including a first-round knockout over Geoff Neal at UFC 319 and an historic knockout over Leon Edwards at UFC 322, marking Edwards’ first loss by knockout in the octagon.
Regarding the McGregor fight rumors, Prates addressed his fans directly:
A lot of you guys have been asking me about the Conor McGregor fight. And I didn’t get anything from UFC yet. I am really happy you guys are saying my name. Of course, it would be a huge honor for me to fight against him. I really want the fight that is going to bring me the title shot. JDM.”
Prates Issues a Stark Warning to Conor McGregor
When asked about the possibility of facing Conor McGregor, Prates suggested the matchup is unlikely to materialize. He argued that with McGregor having been retired from MMA for five years, he would be reluctant to accept a fight against a highly skilled and dangerous welterweight like himself. Prates believes his striking ability poses a significant threat to McGregor and warned that the Irish fighter risks a damaging knockout if the bout happens.
“Conor McGregor, to be honest, I think the fight is hard to make happen because Conor McGregor has been out for five years. He’s been retired from MMA, and after five years away, he would not beg to fight against the most entertaining welterweight in the world. Nothing against him, but everybody knows, and I know he knows that I would hurt him bad. I would knock him out. So I don’t think it’s the right way to make a comeback of the huge superstar like him.”
Prates reiterated his commitment to accepting any opponent the UFC sends his way, as long as the fight advances his goal of earning a title shot.
“I am waiting for the UFC to send me any name, any place, I am just ready to fight. Of course, I want the title shot. So JDM, Conor McGregor, let’s work.”
Social Media Reactions and UFC Context
Prates’ remarks quickly drew attention on social media, with clips of his statements circulating among UFC fans and commentators. The Brazilian’s candid denial of the McGregor fight and confident knockout warning have intensified the buzz around his rising profile in the welterweight division.
Carlos Prates addresses the rumors of a Conor McGregor fight:“I didn’t get anything from the UFC yet… to be honest I think that fight is hard to happen. I would hurt him bad. I would knock him out.I don’t think it’s the right way to make a comeback of a huge superstar like… pic.twitter.com/mCgiqIadQD— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 24, 2026
Conor McGregor’s Comeback Plans and Preferred Opponents
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor himself has expressed frustration over the UFC’s matchmaking decisions regarding his much-anticipated return at the White House Card. He disclosed that he has been offered an opponent with little name recognition, which he has accepted, yet he is awaiting an official contract from the promotion. McGregor has also voiced strong interest in facing Michael Chandler, a matchup fans have long desired but which UFC president Dana White does not support for the current comeback plan.
Conor McGregor still believes his return fight should be against Michael Chandler“It should be [Chandler] yes.” pic.twitter.com/itEg146xHZ— McGregor Forever (@mcgregormma11) February 24, 2026
Implications for UFC Welterweight Division and McGregor’s Return
The dynamics between Carlos Prates and Conor McGregor underline growing tensions as the UFC welterweight championship contention heats up. Prates’ recent knockout victories over high-profile opponents like Geoff Neal and Leon Edwards have positioned him as a major threat in the division. His willingness to take on any contender, coupled with his confidence in delivering knockouts, shapes expectations for an intense run toward a title fight.
For McGregor, staging a successful comeback remains a challenge, with uncertainty around opponents and matchups fueling fan speculation and organizational decisions. While a showdown with Prates appears unlikely in the near term, the fight could be a defining moment if it ever materializes, as “The Nightmare” clearly sees himself capable of altering the landscape of McGregor’s return dramatically.
As UFC fans await official announcements, Prates and McGregor’s statements highlight the tension and high stakes surrounding one of the sport’s most anticipated comebacks and the ongoing scramble for the welterweight crown.
Carlos Prates addresses the rumors of a Conor McGregor fight:
“I didn’t get anything from the UFC yet… to be honest I think that fight is hard to happen. I would hurt him bad. I would knock him out.
I don’t think it’s the right way to make a comeback of a huge superstar like… pic.twitter.com/mCgiqIadQD
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 24, 2026
Conor McGregor still believes his return fight should be against Michael Chandler
“It should be [Chandler] yes.” pic.twitter.com/itEg146xHZ
— McGregor Forever (@mcgregormma11) February 24, 2026
