Knockout Artist Carlos Prates Has Hilarious Reason to Skip Out on UFC’s First $7.7 Billion Paramount Deal Fight Card

Fighting Nerd Carlos Prates reveals that he would rather enjoy his new years party than fight on the January UFC Paramount+ card.

Knockout Artist Carlos Prates Has Hilarious Reason to Skip Out on UFC’s First $7.7 Billion Paramount Deal Fight Card

Carlos Prates does not want to fight on the first UFC Paramount card (via X)

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Carlos Prates has quickly risen to stardom through a mix of highlight-reel knockouts, unusual habits, and the support of his Fighting Nerds group. His blend of power and personality has made him one of the UFC’s most recognizable emerging names. Despite his momentum, he remains selective about when he competes. As a result, he has no interest in returning in January due to an unorthodox plan of his own.

The UFC’s new $7.7 billion broadcast agreement with Paramount+ marks the most significant media partnership in the promotion’s history. The deal shifts future fight cards onto the streaming platform for expanded global distribution. With its first event under the agreement scheduled for early next year, the UFC has been organizing a roster that represents this new era.

Prates recently delivered a commanding performance when he stopped former welterweight champion Leon Edwards in the second round at UFC 322. The victory solidified his position as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers. His showing further elevated expectations for his next appearance. This momentum naturally led into his post-fight comments regarding his immediate plans.

I almost fought on December 30th — some grappling show asked me to face Tsarukyan in a grappling match, but the UFC wouldn’t allow it. I don’t want to fight in January because I want to enjoy my New Year’s party. So maybe after February, that could be fun.

Carlos Prates via The Ariel Helwani show

Prates also revealed that he was approached to fight top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan in a grappling match. The UFC ultimately declined to approve the matchup, keeping him unavailable for the proposed date. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has remained active through frequent grappling competitions. He most recently secured a win over Benson Henderson in his latest outing.

Prates is known for his partying lifestyle and widely recognized smoking habits, which have occasionally placed him under scrutiny. Despite the attention, he has continued with his personal routine without altering his approach. These habits recently drew UFC CEO Dana White‘s attention at the UFC 319 press conference. Even so, Prates has maintained his competitive form.

As the UFC enters its new broadcast era and reorganizes its major events, Carlos Prates’ decisions reflect the broader choices athletes make during transitional periods. The welterweight contender remains in a strong position within the division while navigating his preferred schedule. His absence in January underscores how fighter autonomy intersects with promotional expectations.

Carlos Prates outlines his retirement plans

Carlos Prates has risen quickly through the welterweight ranks, becoming one of the division’s most rapidly ascending threats. His spinning elbow knockout of Geoff Neal at UFC 319 pushed him into the spotlight. Wins over contenders like Neil Magny and Michael Chiesa strengthened his climb. This surge has placed him firmly among the division’s top emerging names

Carlos Prates
Carlos Prates (via MiddleEasy)

Prates was largely undefeated in the UFC before his loss to Irish star Ian Garry in April 2025. The setback briefly halted his momentum but did not alter his long-term ambitions. As he reassessed his path, he outlined a clear set of remaining goals. This progression directly led to the comments he recently shared about his future.

I’m gonna win the belt, and then I’m gonna challenge [Ian Garry] to a rematch, and then I’m gonna stop fighting MMA.

Carlos Prates via The Ariel Helwani Show

At 32, Prates balances his competitive rise with a lifestyle known for partying and unorthodox habits. Despite this, he remains focused on closing out his career on his own terms. His approach reflects a shift among fighters prioritizing peak performance within a controlled window. This mindset shapes the broader conversation about his long-term place in the division.

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