Brazilian knockout artist Carlos Prates has fired a chilling warning at Jack Della Maddalena, questioning the former champ’s resume and vowing to ruin the Perth star’s long-awaited comeback in spectacular fashion.
‘Della’, returning from a devastating UFC title loss against Islam Makhachev, will face “The Nightmare” in the main event of UFC Perth on May 2.
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But if Prates has his way, the good vibes for JDM at RAC Arena won’t last long.
Speaking this week ahead of the showdown, Prates made it clear he sees the fight as the perfect stage to cement his status as one of the division’s deadliest strikers and – and secure a title shot.
“I think I will knock him out,” Prates told Fox Sports Australia.
“I’ve been training two to three times a day for this. And now that the UFC bonus is $100,000, I’m more hungry than before.
“I’m coming to knock him out and get my title shot.”
The 32-year-old has good reason for his confidence, having knocked out former welterweight champ Leon Edwards and dangerous contender Geoff Neal in back-to-back fights.
And he believes Della Maddalena is next.
The popular West Aussie has lost just once in the past nine years and has built a reputation for starching opponents who dare to stand and trade. But Prates has questioned whether Della has truly faced elite-level striking.
“Tell me – who is a really good striker that he’s fought before?” he said.
“I respect him. He’s a former champ. I’m really excited that I get to fight him – but I know it’s now my time to shine.
“He was the champion before.
“But now it’s my time.”
The Brazilian has quickly built a reputation since arriving in the UFC, with his ultra-aggressive style and finishing ability making him a threat to anyone at 170 pounds.
A product of the famed Fighting Nerds gym, Prates is also known for his party-boy lifestyle, and is often seen smoking cigarettes and drinking whisky.
Despite being a full time professional athlete, he admits to smoking around half a pack a day – and two to three packs when something is stressing him out or he’s out partying.
“Of course it’s not good for my training,” he said.
“But it’s my lifestyle. I do what I like. I like to smoke, I like to party and I like drink a little bit.
“But also I like to work hard. You know, when I have a fight coming, I work so hard. Like I said, I train two or three times per day.
In Australia, where cigarettes are among the most expensive in the world thanks to heavy taxation — with packs often costing more than $45 — that habit doesn’t come cheap.
But Prates isn’t too concerned.
“I know, I know,” he smiled.
“I will be bringing some with me from Brazil.”
Prates last fought in Perth at UFC 305, and he hasn’t forgotten the experience – saying he genuinely loves the city and its fans.
“I’m really excited to come back,” he said.
“I feel like Australia is my second home, and my daughter is Australian.
“I like the people there.”
When asked how fans might react if he KO’s JDM, Prates said he just hopes they understand.
“I know not all of them will support me,” he says.
“I hope they really enjoy the fight and appreciate the show I put on in the arena.”
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Last month, Conor McGregor claimed he was offered a comeback fight against a “no-name” welterweight.
Prates believes he was that fighter – but the Irish superstar “chickened out” because Prates is too tough an opponent.
“The UFC didn’t send me anything,” Prates explained.
“But I heard from really good sources that he [McGregor] had my name.
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“I was not thinking about McGregor, I was thinking about JDM.
“I will keep my focus on JDM for now – but if McGregor happens [afterwards], it’s OK .”
* Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT: DELLA MADDALENA vs. PRATES go on sale this Friday, March 27 at 2pm AEDT via Ticketek. Fans can register their interest to access presale ticket information at UFC.com/Perth.