Caio Borralho expressed surprise and excitement upon hearing speculation about a possible fight between his teammate Carlos Prates and former UFC double champion Conor McGregor. The rumors sprung after McGregor indicated he would return to the Octagon for the UFC White House event this June, sparking discussions on who his opponent might be. Borralho’s reaction highlights the growing attention on Carlos Prates McGregor fight possibilities among fans and fighters alike.
McGregor Signals Readiness but Faces Promotional Standoff
Conor McGregor recently revealed his willingness to fight a relatively unknown contender as part of his comeback, but concrete plans have yet to solidify. Despite some signs suggesting progress, McGregor showed frustration with UFC’s promotion and management this week. He shared a picture of the welterweight rankings on social media, leading many to speculate that Carlos Prates could be the lesser-known fighter McGregor referenced for his return bout.
Borralho Shares His Genuine Surprise About the Fight News
Ranked fifth at welterweight, Carlos Prates has yet to gain widespread recognition among casual MMA audiences, though his team ‘The Fighting Nerds’ has steadily grown in popularity due to their marketable personalities. Borralho, a close teammate, candidly described his reaction upon seeing the rumors for the first time.
“Bro, to be honest with you, I didn’t have a clue about any of this, I saw the poster today and right away I sent a message to Carlos, but he didn’t respond yet,”
Borralho told MMAJunkie.
“I said, ‘What the f— you’re gonna fight McGregor, brother? Bro, if this is true and you didn’t tell me, I’m gonna f—— kill you!’”
“I’m in the same spot as you guys, I don’t know if this fight is true and they will fight, (but if it is) it’s gonna be a freaking good fight, brother. So I’m waiting on that, let’s see.”
Borralho indicated he remains hopeful but uncertain whether the fight will be made official.
Borralho Believes Prates Has an Advantage Over McGregor
Should the matchup materialize, Borralho expressed confidence that Prates could come out on top in a fight against the Irishman. He pointed out tactical factors that could tilt the contest in Prates’ favor.
“I don’t think it’s a good fight for McGregor because they’re both southpaws, Carlos will kick him a lot in the calf and he’s got bigger knockout power, I don’t think it’s a good fight for him.”
This assessment highlights Borralho’s belief that Prates’ style and power could pose significant challenges for McGregor, particularly given their shared southpaw stance.
Prates Acknowledges the Likelihood of the Bout Is Slim
While the potential fight has excited fans, Carlos Prates himself recognizes the hurdles involved in making the matchup happen. He expressed skepticism that McGregor, after a five-year hiatus, would accept a tough fight against him rather than seeking a more favorable opponent.
Prates suggested that McGregor is unlikely to “beg” for a challenging return bout, implying he may prefer a contest that increases his chances for a dominant comeback performance.
Implications of the Rumored Matchup
If the rumors do come true, the fight between Carlos Prates and Conor McGregor would be highly anticipated and could significantly impact the welterweight division. McGregor’s return is always a major event in the UFC, and Prates stepping into that spotlight could elevate his career dramatically. However, current uncertainty and McGregor’s apparent frustrations with UFC management mean the situation remains fluid as fans await official announcements.
