Carlos Prates solidified his place as a legitimate welterweight title contender at UFC Perth on Saturday. In the biggest fight of his career, the Brazilian took on former 170-pound champion Jack Della Maddalena in a main event matchup in JDM’s home nation and it didn’t take long to see who was the better fighter.

Prats used his length and speed to deliver hard, accurate shots through his enemy’s guard. Although he gave up a takedown in Round 1 and laughed at the fact that JDM resorted to grappling to defeat him, he completely shut down his efforts the rest of the fight.

He landed a nasty leg kick at the end of round 2 which was the beginning of the end for the former champion. Then in round 3, he landed some dangerous elbows, before another leg kick dropped Della Maddalena again and secured the victory by TKO for Prates at 3:17 of the third round.

Although Carlos Prates probably won’t get a title fight in his comeback, he’s sure to get another big prize later this year. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the next four fight options for the welterweight star.

Kamru Usman

After three consecutive losses, welterweight veteran Kamaru Usman scored an impressive victory against Joaquin Buckley last June. He has been on the sidelines since then as he next looks for a title fight against Islam Makhachev. This does not seem possible.

While Prates is dangerous, this is a good matchup for Usman, and defeating him could secure the title fight he wants. For the Brazilian, it will also be a chance to add a third former champion to his hit list and secure a title fight this year.

Belal Muhammad (if he beats Gabriel Bonfim)

Former champion Belal Muhammad will have a chance to get back on his winning streak and end a two-fight losing streak against fast-rising star Gabriel Bonfim next month. If he can get his first win since July 2024, it would mean a clash with Prats in the autumn.

It will be a chance for the American to prove he can still hang with the young contenders in the top five, and for Prats, it will be the toughest test of his takedown defense yet.

ian machado gary

If Prates wants to prove he’s worthy of a title fight soon, avenging his only loss in the UFC – a blowout to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025 – should be an option. Both have possibly been blocked from a title fight by Michael Morales. So the No. 1 contenders facing off in a rematch could easily headline another Fight Night card. Especially if it’s in Brazil.

The big question is, will Gary be willing to risk another clash with Prats? This will be a tough sell. Maybe the UFC could make it part of a four-man title tournament?

Islam Makhachev

Will Prats next jump into a title shot with new champ Makhachev? Probably not. But fight booking is a strange thing, especially when injuries or priorities come into play. There’s no doubt that the champ is simply looking for a favorable matchup because he’s not getting the fight he really wants.

While Prats deserves respect, the Russian may try to steal his momentum and show that there are many levels to grapple with in a matchup in which he should perform well and receive a big check for it.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Kamaru Usman revealed this week that his quest to win another UFC title at welterweight has hit a wall named Hunter Campbell.

At 38, the former welterweight king knows he doesn’t have much time left at the highest level of the sport. That’s why he’s done everything he can over the past eight months to get himself a championship fight with new welterweight champion and friend Islam Makhachev.

After picking up his first win in nearly four years over Joaquin Buckley in June, he doesn’t have the strongest case for a title shot. However, he has tried to take advantage of his friendship with the Russian and his name as one of the greatest welterweights of all-time to work his way into the fight. However, this doesn’t seem to be working.

During a new edition of their pound 4 pound In a podcast with fellow veteran Henry Cejudo, Usman revealed that he has told the company why he thinks the fight with Makhachev makes the most sense. However, despite the discussions, the former champion claims that UFC CBO Hunter Campbell “feels differently” and has no interest in the matchup.

The comments seem to support recent rumors that Campbell has taken on a larger day-to-day role for the UFC, including fight contracts, than CEO Dana White.

Kamaru Usman offered fight against Dricus du Plessis

Along with the update on the lack of progress towards a fight for the welterweight strap, Usman also offered that Campbell and the UFC approached his pitch with the idea of ​​a different fight and in a different weight class. Usman revealed that he was offered a matchup with former middleweight champion Darius du Plessis.

Although Usman is not against a fight at 185 pounds, he claims he is only interested in “meaningful” fights followed by a title opportunity. The UFC may be unwilling to guarantee a championship match following a win over DDP.

Usman scheduled a short-notice fight at middleweight against defending champion Khamzat Makhachev in October 2023. He lost the match by majority decision.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos