The case of UFC

Ahead of UFC Perth headliner, Carlos Prates was asked about Ilia Topuria moving up to welterweight to fight for a third title. UFC has emerged this Saturday as one of the stories drawing attention in Philippines.

Key facts

• Ahead of UFC Perth headliner, Carlos Prates was asked about Ilia Topuria moving up to welterweight to fight for a third title.
• Carlos Prates wants title shot and nothing else with UFC Perth win.
• After knocking out Leon Edwards in his most recent bout at UFC 322 this past November, “The Nightmare” feels getting back-to-back victories over former world titleholders should put him over the top to fight for the UFC welterweight championship next.
• The most intriguing name in the 170-pound title conversation is a man who has never competed in the division in the UFC: current lightweight champion and former 145-pound titleholder Ilia Topuria.
• “El Matador” is set to defend his title for the first time against interim champ Justin Gaethje in the main event of the UFC White House card in June.

What we know

Going deeper, Carlos Prates wants title shot and nothing else with UFC Perth win.

On the substance, after knocking out Leon Edwards in his most recent bout at UFC 322 this past November, “The Nightmare” feels getting back-to-back victories over former world titleholders should put him over the top to fight for the UFC welterweight championship next.

Beyond the headlines, the most intriguing name in the 170-pound title conversation is a man who has never competed in the division in the UFC: current lightweight champion and former 145-pound titleholder Ilia Topuria.

More precisely, his last outing in November resulted in the loss of his UFC welterweight title to Islam Makhachev, ending a brief 118-day reign that began with his victory over Belal Muhammad.

It is worth noting that the KES 2.5 billion ($20 million) annual revenue generated by the UFC’s broadcast rights in the EMEA region reflects this growing global footprint.

By the numbers

At this stage, there are 13 fights on the docket and 10 are expected to end inside the distance, according to oddsmakers.

“OK, so then I go to the lightweights, I’m going to fight to the lightweight belt,” Prates said. “I can do 155.

Going deeper, Normally I have 85 kg, 84, so I can do lightweight.

On the substance, Now, back in his hometown, the 29-year-old striker must prove that he still belongs in the elite conversation of the 170-pound division.

What they're saying

“El Matador” is set to defend his title for the first time against interim champ Justin Gaethje in the main event of the UFC White House card in June.

“The title shot [is next],” Prates told MMA Fighting. “Because I’m going to beat two former champs in a row, you know?

The wider context

On a related note, Prates faces Della Maddalena in the main event of this weekend’s UFC Perth event.

Going deeper, Another name that has been calling for a title shot is former champion Kamaru Usman following his lopsided decision win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta a little less than a year ago.

On the substance, Jack Della Maddalena returns to Perth to face Carlos Prates in a welterweight showdown.

Beyond the headlines, Redempetion is on the line in front of a sold-out RAC Arena crowd.

More precisely, this includes the article content, images, author information, and related articles.

The bottom line

• After knocking out Leon Edwards in his most recent bout at UFC 322 this past November, “The Nightmare” feels getting back-to-back victories over former world titleholders should put him over the top to fight for the UFC welterweight championship next.
• The most intriguing name in the 170-pound title conversation is a man who has never competed in the division in the UFC: current lightweight champion and former 145-pound titleholder Ilia Topuria.
• His last outing in November resulted in the loss of his UFC welterweight title to Islam Makhachev, ending a brief 118-day reign that began with his victory over Belal Muhammad.