Carlos Prates Demands Title Shot After UFC Perth Win, Eyes Topuria Move to Welterweight

Key facts

• Carlos Prates faces Jack Della Maddalena in the UFC Perth main event at RAC Arena.
• Prates knocked out Leon Edwards at UFC 322 in November.
• Ilia Topuria, current lightweight champion and former featherweight titleholder, has never fought at welterweight in the UFC.
• Islam Makhachev defeated Leon Edwards to win the UFC welterweight title in November.
• Edwards's 118-day title reign ended with the loss to Makhachev.
• UFC broadcast rights in the EMEA region generate $20 million annually.
• Oddsmakers expect 10 of the 13 fights on the Perth card to end inside the distance.
• Kamaru Usman called for a title shot after a decision win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta.

Prates Makes His Case for a Title Shot

Carlos Prates, the Brazilian welterweight contender, has made it clear that nothing less than a title shot will satisfy him after his upcoming fight at UFC Perth. Speaking to MMA Fighting, Prates argued that back-to-back victories over former champions should propel him to the top of the 170-pound division. “The title shot [is next],” he said. “Because I’m going to beat two former champs in a row, you know?” Prates knocked out Leon Edwards at UFC 322 in November, ending Edwards’s brief 118-day reign as welterweight champion. Edwards had captured the belt by defeating Belal Muhammad, only to lose it to Islam Makhachev in his first defense. Now Prates faces Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of the UFC Perth card at a sold-out RAC Arena, and he views a win as the final credential needed for a championship opportunity. The 29-year-old striker, who normally walks around at 85 kg (187 lbs), said he could also drop to lightweight if necessary. “OK, so then I go to the lightweights, I’m going to fight to the lightweight belt,” Prates said. “I can do 155.”

The Topuria Factor Looms Over the Division

The most intriguing name in the welterweight title conversation is Ilia Topuria, the current lightweight champion and former featherweight titleholder, who has never competed at 170 pounds in the UFC. Topuria’s potential move up to welterweight to fight for a third title has become a major talking point ahead of UFC Perth. His presence adds a layer of complexity to the division’s hierarchy, as he could leapfrog contenders like Prates. Topuria, known as “El Matador,” is set to defend his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje in the main event of the UFC White House card in June. A victory there could set the stage for a welterweight superfight, further muddying the title picture. For now, Prates must focus on Della Maddalena, but the specter of Topuria looms large.

Redemption at Stake for Della Maddalena

For Jack Della Maddalena, the UFC Perth main event represents a chance at redemption in front of his hometown crowd. The Australian welterweight returns to RAC Arena after a recent defeat, and he must prove that he still belongs in the elite conversation of the 170-pound division. A sold-out arena will witness a high-stakes showdown that could reshape the title landscape. Oddsmakers expect 10 of the 13 fights on the card to end inside the distance, reflecting the explosive nature of the matchups. The UFC’s growing global footprint is underscored by the $20 million annual revenue generated by broadcast rights in the EMEA region, a figure that highlights the sport’s international appeal.

Usman Also in the Mix for a Title Opportunity

Former champion Kamaru Usman has also thrown his hat into the ring for a title shot, following a lopsided decision win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta less than a year ago. Usman’s call adds another name to a crowded welterweight division, where multiple contenders are vying for a chance to challenge the champion. The division’s depth means that Prates may need more than just a win over Della Maddalena to secure his spot, but he remains confident in his path.

What Comes Next for the Welterweight Title Picture

The welterweight division is at a crossroads, with Prates, Usman, and the looming presence of Topuria all competing for attention. If Prates defeats Della Maddalena, he will have beaten two former champions in a row, making a strong case for a title shot. However, the UFC may opt for a more marketable matchup involving Topuria, who could bring a third weight class into play. The outcome of the UFC Perth card will have immediate repercussions, but the long-term direction of the division remains uncertain. For now, Prates is focused on the task at hand, knowing that a victory could finally earn him the opportunity he craves.

The bottom line

• Carlos Prates seeks a title shot with a win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth.
• Ilia Topuria’s potential move to welterweight adds uncertainty to the title picture.
• Prates knocked out Leon Edwards at UFC 322, ending Edwards’s 118-day reign.
• Kamaru Usman also called for a title shot after a win over Joaquin Buckley.
• The UFC Perth card features 13 fights, with 10 expected to end inside the distance.
• UFC broadcast rights in EMEA generate $20 million annually, reflecting global growth.