Brazilian fighter Carlos Prates was warmly welcomed by fans at an open training session in Perth, Australia. The crowd remained vocal throughout the session, suggesting Prates may not face a hostile "enemy territory" environment despite competing away from home. The enthusiastic reception indicates local fans are embracing the Brazilian ahead of his upcoming bout. The atmosphere contrasts with typical expectations for fighters competing in their opponent's home country. Photo credit was attributed to CrashMMA.
Carlos Prates received an enthusiastic welcome from fans at an open training session in Perth, Australia, ahead of his upcoming welterweight bout, signaling the Brazilian may find a more favorable atmosphere than fighters competing abroad typically expect.
Prates, known as "The Nightmare," enters the fight ranked fifth in the UFC welterweight division with a professional record of 24-7. The 32-year-old out of Brazil trains with Vale Top Team and brings a physically imposing frame to the cage, standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach. His striking output is a defining feature of his game — he lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 55 percent, numbers that reflect both volume and efficiency. His takedown activity is minimal at 0.21 per 15 minutes, underscoring that he is primarily a stand-up fighter who keeps bouts on the feet.
Why it matters
- Prates competing in his opponent's home country would normally mean a hostile crowd, but the Perth reception suggests he has built a genuine following in Australia.
- As the fifth-ranked welterweight, Prates is positioned close to title contention, and a strong performance in front of an energized crowd — regardless of whose home turf it is — could boost his visibility.
- His striker-heavy profile sets up a clear stylistic narrative heading into fight week, with fans already responding to the aggressive, forward-pressing approach he is known for.
The warm reception in Perth, captured in photos attributed to CrashMMA, suggests the crowd's energy may work in Prates's favor rather than against him when he steps into the cage.
