UFC welterweight contender Carlos Prates will reportedly return on the Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev undercard.
Carlos Prates is reportedly weeks away from making his UFC comeback as he looks to get back into the welterweight title mix.
Prates, one of several top names out of Brazil’s ‘Fighting Nerds’ team, hasn’t fought since a main event defeat to Ian Machado Garry at UFC Kansas City earlier this year. The loss snapped an 11-fight winning streak, including recent victories over the likes of Neil Magny and Li Jingliang.
The former Dana White’s Contender Series standout will reportedly not have to wait long to return to the Octagon.
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Carlos Prates set for first fight since suffering first UFC loss to Ian Machado Garry
As first reported by MMA journalist Laerte Viana, the UFC is targeting Prates to face Geoff Neal on the Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev undercard at UFC 319. Prates and Neal were supposed to square off at UFC 314 earlier this year before Neal withdrew due to injury.
Neal hasn’t fought since a TKO win over former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 308 in October. Before that, Neal lost back-to-back fights to Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov.
As of this writing, an announcement regarding Neal vs. Prates hasn’t been made by the UFC matchmakers, but that could come in the following weeks. UFC 319 marks the promotion’s long-awaited return to Chicago after a six-year absence.
UFC 319 also features the middleweight return of Michael ‘Venom’ Page against former title challenger Jared Cannonier. A lightweight matchup between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje was rumored for UFC 319 in recent days before Pimblett cleared the air on social media.
Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal adds a big boost to UFC 319 undercard
Prates will look to add to what’s been an eventful year for the ‘Fighting Nerds’ team in 2025. UFC middleweight contender Caio Borralho will return in September at UFC Paris against Nassourdine Imavov.
Prates’ featherweight teammate, Jean Silva, will headline Noche UFC in September opposite former title challenger Diego Lopes. Silva most recently submitted Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314.
UFC lightweight Mauricio Ruffy remains without a fight booking, as of this writing, but will reportedly have a bout announced in the coming days. Ruffy knocked out Bobby Green at UFC 313.