Carlos Prates achieved a historic feat by becoming the first fighter to knock out three previously undefeated-by-knockout opponents: Leon Edwards, Li Jingliang, and Jack Della Maddalena. Edwards had never been knocked out in 28 fights before facing Prates. Li Jingliang had never been knocked out in 27 fights prior to their bout. Della Maddalena had never been knocked out while standing, with his only TKO loss coming via ground-and-pound when fatigued. Prates' ability to finish these durable fighters highlights his exceptional knockout power and technical striking versatility.
Carlos Prates etched his name into UFC history on May 2, 2026, becoming the first fighter ever to knock out Leon Edwards, Li Jingliang, and Jack Della Maddalena — three men who had each entered their respective bouts with spotless knockout-loss records.
Prates, known as "The Nightmare," carries a 24-7 record and holds the number-five ranking in the welterweight division. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and fights out of a switch stance. He connects on 55 percent of his significant strikes, a figure that underscores the precision behind his power.
Edwards had gone 28 fights without being stopped by strikes before Prates found the finish. Li Jingliang, the 38-year-old orthodox veteran nicknamed "The Leech," had survived 27 professional bouts without a knockout loss, averaging 4.46 significant strikes landed per minute himself and threatening constantly with 1.19 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. Della Maddalena, the 29-year-old Australian ranked fourth at welterweight and 13th pound-for-pound, carried his own formidable finishing reputation into the fight — posting 5.57 significant strikes landed per minute at 51 percent accuracy — and had never been stopped while standing upright, his only prior TKO defeat coming via ground-and-pound under fatigue.
Why it matters
- All three opponents were considered among the most durable strikers in the welterweight division before facing Prates.
- The run strengthens Prates' case for a top-contender slot despite sitting fifth in the divisional rankings.
- His switch-stance versatility and 55 percent striking accuracy suggest an ability to solve different defensive styles.
- Della Maddalena's top-five ranking and pound-for-pound status make this the highest-profile scalp of the three.
