In 2024, a new fan favorite arrived in the UFC’s welterweight division with his second main event spotlight now just days away.
The UFC’s arrival in Kansas City on April 26 boasts the return of Carlos Prates whose UFC career has been nearly flawless thus far.
One of the most exciting strikers on the roster is now set to collide with another of the 170-pound division’s best when he looks to silence some of the criticisms that Ian Machado Garry has thrown Prates’ way.
With his electric fighting style and star charisma, it is no surprise that ‘The Nightmare’ has quickly become a beloved fighter alongside his fellow Fighting Nerds teammates like Jean Silva.
The Brazilian knockout artist recently looked to repay some of the support that he has received after he was sent a message ahead of his arrival on fight week.
Carlos Prates shaves the head of his number one fan after receiving a message about his cancer diagnosis
Before Carlos Prates steps inside the Octagon for the fifth time on Saturday night, he had some other business to attend to.
A fan of his had reached out to ‘The Nightmare’ via social media to ask for a special request during the Brazilian’s short trip before he competes on April 26.
Randy had messaged Prates to say that as a Kansas City resident, he will be attending the event this weekend with the Brazilian being his favorite fighter.
He also stated that after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, it would be an honor if Prates would come to meet him and be the one to shave his head.
The surging welterweight responded and came through for his supporter whilst making him the newest member of the Fighting Nerds by bringing a spare pair of glasses.
In a video posted by the UFC of the interaction, Prates delivered the following message about what he took away from this experience.
“I’m here with Randy, he’s teaching me a lot this week. Sometimes we have to learn. We usually complain a lot about any little thing that happens in our lives and this guy is here after a terminal cancer diagnosis. He texted me to shave his head because I’m his favorite fighter and man, we can see that our problems are nothing and this man is here.
“He’s standing, he came here and said he won’t give up and I think that’s what we have to keep as a life lesson to never give up just like he’s doing, fighting against this disease. That’s a very tough one but I’m sure he’ll be fine. He’ll get better and I hope in a couple of months, I can come back here and see him.”
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Fans praise Carlos Prates for wholesome fan interaction ahead of Octagon return
Carlos Prates was already beloved in the eyes of many fans and this incredibly wholesome and heart-warming act has only increased that ahead of his bout in Kansas City.
Social media users praised the 31-year-old with reactions like, “God bless him,” and “That’s amazing Carlos is a great guy.”
One fan referenced how in Randy’s original message to Prates, he had said that he’d gift him a pack of cigarettes in return for the action.
“Randy has a hell of a sense of humor giving Prates a pack of smokes & good for him. It’ll serve him well in his fight with cancer. What a legend.”