Carlos Prates Demands Title Shot After UFC Perth Win, Eyes Ilia Topuria at Welterweight

Key facts

• Carlos Prates faces Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth at RAC Arena.
• Prates knocked out Leon Edwards at UFC 322 in November 2024.
• Prates has won two consecutive fights against former UFC champions.
• 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 2024.
• Edwards held the welterweight title for 118 days after beating Belal Muhammad.
• UFC’s broadcast rights in EMEA generate KES 2.5 billion ($20 million) annually.
• Oddsmakers expect 10 of 13 fights on the UFC Perth card to end inside the distance.

Prates Makes His Case for a Title Shot

Carlos Prates has a simple message for UFC matchmakers: give him a title shot. The Brazilian welterweight, who headlines UFC Perth this weekend against Jack Della Maddalena, believes a victory would make him undeniable. “The title shot [is next],” Prates told MMA Fighting. “Because I’m going to beat two former champs in a row, you know?” Prates knocked out former champion Leon Edwards at UFC 322 in November, ending Edwards’ brief 118-day reign as welterweight titleholder. Edwards had captured the belt by defeating Belal Muhammad, only to lose it to Islam Makhachev in his first defense. Now Prates wants to leapfrog the queue. “OK, so then I go to the lightweights, I’m going to fight to the lightweight belt,” Prates said. “I can do 155. Normally I have 85 kg, 84, so I can do lightweight.” The 29-year-old striker, who walks around at 84–85 kilograms (185–187 pounds), is willing to drop down if necessary.

The Ilia Topuria Factor at 170 Pounds

The most intriguing name in the welterweight title conversation is a man who has never fought in the division inside the UFC: Ilia Topuria. The current lightweight champion and former featherweight titleholder has been linked to a move up to 170 pounds, potentially to challenge for a third belt. 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. But his camp has not ruled out a future welterweight campaign. If Topuria were to move up, he would enter a division already crowded with contenders. Prates, however, is not intimidated. “I can do 155,” he reiterated, suggesting he would even face Topuria at lightweight if necessary. The Brazilian’s willingness to cut weight underscores his desperation for a championship opportunity.

A Stacked Welterweight Division

Prates is not the only fighter calling for a title shot. Former champion Kamaru Usman has been vocal since his lopsided decision win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta nearly a year ago. Usman, a former long-reigning welterweight king, believes he deserves another crack at the belt. Meanwhile, Jack Della Maddalena returns to his hometown of Perth to face Prates in a sold-out RAC Arena. The Australian welterweight is looking to rebound after a loss and prove he still belongs in the elite conversation. For Della Maddalena, redemption is on the line in front of a partisan crowd. The UFC Perth card features 13 fights, with oddsmakers predicting 10 will end inside the distance. The event underscores the UFC’s growing global footprint, which generates KES 2.5 billion ($20 million) annually from broadcast rights in the EMEA region alone.

What Comes Next for the 170-Pound Title Picture

If Prates defeats Della Maddalena, he will have beaten two former champions in a row — a resume he believes is title-worthy. The UFC has not indicated who will next challenge Islam Makhachev for the welterweight belt, but the promotion faces pressure to reward streaking contenders. Topuria’s potential move to welterweight adds another layer of complexity. A champion from a lower weight class jumping two divisions would be unprecedented in UFC history. Yet Topuria’s star power and undefeated record make him a lucrative option for the promotion. For now, Prates is focused on Saturday night. “I’m going to beat two former champs in a row,” he said. The Brazilian’s confidence is high, but the welterweight division remains as crowded as ever.

The bottom line

• Carlos Prates believes a win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth should earn him a welterweight title shot.
• Prates has back-to-back wins over former champions Leon Edwards and, if he wins, Della Maddalena.
• Ilia Topuria, the lightweight champion, is a potential contender at welterweight despite never fighting there in the UFC.
• Leon Edwards lost the welterweight title to Islam Makhachev after a 118-day reign.
• Kamaru Usman is also campaigning for a title shot after beating Joaquin Buckley.
• UFC Perth features 13 fights, with oddsmakers expecting 10 to end inside the distance.