Carlos Prates has achieved the fastest accumulation of seven knockout victories in UFC history, reaching the mark in just eight fights. He also set the record for fastest 14 knockdowns in UFC history, accomplishing this in under 17 complete rounds, giving him the highest average knockdown rate per 15 minutes of fight time. Additionally, Prates earned seven Performance of the Night bonuses faster than any fighter in UFC history, taking only eight fights compared to the average of 15 fights for other fighters. His recent knockout victories include back-to-back former UFC champions who had never been knocked out before. The post suggests that if Islam Makhachev defeats Ian Garry and Prates, he would equal Jon Jones's legacy, and surpass it if he also beats Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Carlos Prates has cemented his place in UFC history with a record-breaking run of finishes, setting multiple all-time marks across just eight appearances in the promotion.
The Brazilian welterweight reached seven knockout victories in UFC competition faster than any fighter ever, accomplishing the feat in only eight fights. He also set the record for the fastest accumulation of 14 knockdowns in UFC history, doing so in under 17 complete rounds, which gives him the highest average knockdown rate per 15 minutes of fight time in the organization's history. On top of that, Prates earned seven Performance of the Night bonuses in eight fights, a pace that dwarfs the historical average of 15 fights for other fighters to reach the same milestone. His recent run included back-to-back knockout wins over former UFC champions, both of whom had never previously been stopped by strikes.
The broader conversation around Prates connects to the welterweight division's current landscape. Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion, carries a record of 28-1 and is ranked as the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world. The 34-year-old Russian, who trains with Eagles MMA, averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and finishes at a 58 percent striking accuracy. Shavkat Rakhmonov, ranked third at welterweight, remains undefeated at 19-0 at age 31. The Kazakhstani standout stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and lands significant strikes at 60 percent accuracy, among the highest rates in the division.
Why it matters
- Prates's knockout and bonus records signal a historic finishing ability that demands elite-level opposition
- His back-to-back stoppages of former champions raise his profile as a legitimate title contender
- Makhachev's path through both Prates and Rakhmonov would represent one of the most demanding gauntlets in divisional history
- Rakhmonov's unbeaten record adds significant stakes to any potential matchup in the welterweight top five
