Carlos Prates has achieved notable knockout victories over opponents with previously unblemished records against knockout defeats. Leon Edwards had never lost by knockout in 28 professional fights before facing Prates. Li Jingliang had similarly never been knocked out in 27 career bouts prior to his fight with Prates. Jack Della Maddalena had never been knocked out on the feet before meeting Prates, with his only prior TKO loss coming via ground-and-pound while exhausted. These achievements highlight Prates' finishing power against durable opponents.
Carlos Prates has carved out a remarkable distinction in the welterweight division, becoming the first fighter in the professional careers of both Leon Edwards and Li Jingliang to stop them by knockout.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," carries a 24-7 record and is currently ranked fifth in the UFC welterweight division. The 32-year-old Brazilian, who trains out of Vale Top Team, stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and brings genuine finishing power to every outing, connecting on 55 percent of his significant strikes. Before facing Prates, Edwards had gone 28 professional fights without ever being knocked out. Li Jingliang, the veteran Chinese contender known as "The Leech," had similarly protected that record across 27 career bouts before Prates ended it.
The Brazilian's finishing credentials extend further. Fourth-ranked welterweight Jack Della Maddalena, the 29-year-old Australian out of Scrappy MMA, had never been stopped on the feet before their meeting. His only previous TKO loss had come via ground-and-pound in a moment of exhaustion — a very different circumstance. Della Maddalena, who holds an 18-4 record and is ranked 13th pound-for-pound, lands 5.57 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy, making him one of the division's most active offensive threats. That Prates was able to find the finish standing underscores just how uncommon his power is at 170 pounds.
Why it matters
- Prates has now knocked out three opponents who had never previously been stopped in that fashion, establishing him as one of welterweight's most dangerous finishers
- His 78-inch reach and 55 percent striking accuracy give him the tools to threaten elite-level opponents at range
- The wins over Edwards and Della Maddalena, both ranked inside the welterweight top five, significantly strengthen his case for a title shot
