Carlos Prates has achieved the fastest accumulation of seven knockout victories in UFC history, reaching the milestone in just eight fights. The previous record holders were heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Cain Velasquez, who needed nine fights. Prates also holds the record for fastest 14 knockdowns in UFC history, achieved in under 17 total rounds, and the highest average knockdown rate per 15 minutes of fight time. Additionally, he earned seven Performance of the Night bonuses in eight fights, while other fighters typically need 15 bouts to reach seven bonuses. The post highlights that Prates knocked out two former UFC champions who had never been finished by knockout before, cementing his status as one of the most explosive starts in UFC history.
Carlos Prates has cemented himself as the most explosive finisher in UFC history through his first eight appearances in the promotion, setting multiple knockout records along the way.
The Brazilian welterweight, nicknamed "The Nightmare," carries a professional record of 24-7 and is currently ranked fifth in the division. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, the 32-year-old southpaw out of Vale Top Team has built his reputation almost entirely on his striking, landing 3.77 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 55 percent — numbers that reflect just how cleanly and consistently he does damage.
Prates reached seven knockout victories in the UFC faster than any fighter in promotional history, needing just eight bouts to hit the milestone. The previous record was held by heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Cain Velasquez, both of whom required nine fights. He also set the record for accumulating 14 knockdowns in UFC competition, doing so in under 17 total rounds, and leads all fighters in average knockdown rate per 15 minutes of fight time.
Why it matters
- Prates has earned seven Performance of the Night bonuses in eight UFC appearances, a pace that typically takes other fighters around 15 bouts to match.
- He knocked out two former UFC champions who had never previously been stopped by knockout, underlining the caliber of opposition involved in his record-setting run.
- At just ranked fifth in the welterweight division, his record-setting start puts significant pressure on the fighters ahead of him on the rankings ladder.
- His near-zero submission attempts and minimal takedown activity make him a near-pure striker, giving any future opponent a clear but difficult task in neutralizing him.
