Carlos Prates has achieved the fastest accumulation of seven knockout victories in UFC history, reaching the mark in just eight fights. The previous record was held by heavyweights Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez, who needed nine fights. Out of 2,710 fighters who have competed in the UFC over 33 years, only 62 have achieved seven knockouts, representing just 2.29 percent. Prates has also set records for the fastest accumulation of 14 knockdowns in UFC history (17 incomplete rounds) and the fastest seven Performance of the Night bonuses (average fighters need 15 fights; Prates needed only eight). The post argues that Prates represents one of the brightest eight-fight runs in UFC history and discusses potential future matchups with Islam Makhachev.
Carlos Prates has etched his name into the UFC record books, becoming the fastest fighter in the promotion's history to accumulate seven knockout victories, achieving the mark in just eight fights.
The Brazilian lightweight's accomplishment puts him ahead of two of the most decorated heavyweights the UFC has ever seen. Junior dos Santos, known as "Cigano," and Cain Velasquez had each previously shared the record, needing nine fights to reach seven knockouts. Dos Santos, a 6-foot-4, 193-centimeter former heavyweight champion from Brazil, finished his career with a 21-9-0 record and was renowned for his explosive striking, landing 4.49 significant strikes per minute across his career. Velasquez, the 6-foot-1 American Kickboxing Academy product who went 14-3-0, was similarly devastating, landing 6.37 significant strikes per minute with an impressive 57 percent striking accuracy.
Prates has not just broken one record. He has also set the mark for the fastest accumulation of 14 knockdowns in UFC history, doing so across only 17 incomplete rounds. Additionally, he has earned seven Performance of the Night bonuses in only eight appearances — a rate that shatters the previous average of 15 fights for fighters who have reached that milestone.
The scale of what Prates has accomplished is illustrated by the broader numbers. Of the 2,710 fighters who have competed in the UFC across 33 years of the promotion's history, only 62 have ever recorded seven knockouts. That represents just 2.29 percent of all UFC athletes.
Why it matters
- Prates has redefined what a fast start in the UFC can look like, surpassing heavyweight legends despite competing in a lighter division
- His seven Performance of the Night bonuses in eight fights reflect consistent finishing ability, not a single outlier performance
- With Islam Makhachev, the current pound-for-pound number one ranked champion sitting at 28-1-0, potential future matchup discussions are already forming around Prates's trajectory
