UFC Perth headliner Carlos Prates is in enemy territory this Saturday, when he goes up against Australia’s own Jack Della Maddalena in the Fight Night card’s welterweight main event.
Which has him rather surprised at the reception he’s had since arriving in Perth, both in the gym and on the street.
“I’m surprised, because they say ‘I hope you win,'” the Brazilian said during Wednesday’s media day. Prates (23-7) isn’t sure if people are just trying to be nice, but noted that “when the octagon doors close, it’s just me and Jack. But let’s see.”
Prates is known for his knockout power, and he had a prediction to that end on Wednesday. “I will knock him out.” As to what round, it’s a “surprise,” he added.
It’s a 25-minute fight for Prates this weekend, not his first, and The Fighting Nerds star did go the distance in a five-round fight against Ian Machado Garry a year ago. As to how he prepares for the extra time, “like always, I train a lot. Sometimes I train two, three times per day. Train a lot, make the right strategy. And that’s it,” stated Prates. “I have no secrets. Just train, train, train and let’s go.”
If all goes well on Saturday, Prates will build on wins over Geoff Neal and Leon Edwards. Both have been knockouts, and JDM would represent a second former welterweight champ beaten. That, believes Prates, should land him a title shot.
“Yeah. I think after I beat two former champs in a row, I think nobody did it, so I’m gonna be the next [title challenger].”
Watch the full UFC Perth media day appearance by Carlos Prates above.
