Carlos Prates revealed he brought approximately 30 people to Australia, including his 73-year-old mother and daughter, traveling 40 hours to attend UFC Perth. He stated he couldn't let them down after such a journey and wasn't coming to play games. Prates gave his post-fight interview alongside his mother and daughter. He expressed respect for Jack Della Maddalena, calling him an excellent champion while noting it's just business. Prates called Australia his second home and thanked fans for making him feel welcome.
Carlos Prates delivered one of the more memorable post-fight moments at UFC Perth, sharing his microphone interview alongside his 73-year-old mother and young daughter after picking up a victory at the event on May 2, 2026.
The Brazilian welterweight, known as "The Nightmare," revealed he had brought roughly 30 people with him on the journey to Australia, a trip he said took approximately 40 hours. With his mother, daughter, and a large contingent of supporters making that commitment, Prates made clear the weight of responsibility he felt walking into the cage. He said he simply could not let them down after such a sacrifice, and that he had not traveled to the other side of the world to put on a casual performance.
Prates, who is 32 years old and carries a professional record of 24 wins and 7 losses, competes at welterweight and sits ranked fifth in the division. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, he brings length and volume to his switch-stance striking game, landing significant shots at a 55 percent accuracy rate. In his post-fight remarks, he also offered genuine respect to Jack Della Maddalena, describing him as an excellent champion while framing any competitive tension as strictly business.
Della Maddalena, ranked fourth at welterweight and 13th in the pound-for-pound standings, is 29 years old and fights out of Scrappy MMA in his home country of Australia. The Perth native carries an 18-4 record and is known for high-volume output, averaging 5.57 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Prates's result has direct implications for the welterweight top-five, with both men clustered tightly in the rankings
- The matchup brought together two switch-stance strikers, each carrying legitimate finishing power
- Prates's declaration that Australia feels like a second home, combined with the crowd reception he described, adds an unusual emotional layer to what is typically framed as a rivalry
