Carlos Prates received an unexpectedly warm welcome from Australian fans at his open training session in Perth ahead of his UFC bout. The Brazilian fighter was greeted with continuous support from the crowd, who did not fall silent throughout the entire session. The enthusiastic reception raises questions about whether Perth can truly be considered "hostile territory" for Prates, as local fans demonstrated strong support for the visiting fighter. The open workouts are part of UFC Perth fight week activities. Photos from the session captured by CrashMMA showed the positive atmosphere. The warm reception contrasts with typical expectations for fighters competing away from home.
Carlos Prates drew a surprisingly enthusiastic crowd at his open training session in Perth during UFC fight week, with Australian fans cheering the Brazilian throughout the entire workout without letting up.
Prates, 32, enters his welterweight bout ranked fifth in the division and carrying a 24-7 record. The Vale Top Team product stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and competes out of a switch stance, making him a difficult puzzle for opponents to solve on the feet. His striking numbers reflect genuine danger — he lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate, a combination that speaks to both volume and precision.
The warm reception from Perth fans runs counter to the usual dynamic facing fighters who travel far from home. Rather than encountering indifference or outright hostility, Prates was met with continuous vocal support from the crowd in attendance. Photos captured by CrashMMA documented the upbeat atmosphere inside the session.
Why it matters
- Prates is a top-five welterweight, so any fight involving him carries real divisional weight
- Fan support in a rival fighter's backyard could provide a psychological edge during fight week
- His elite striking accuracy and output make him a legitimate threat regardless of venue or crowd dynamics
- The Perth crowd's reception signals growing international recognition for Prates beyond Brazilian MMA circles
