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 Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez, both heavyweights who needed nine fights. Out of 2,710 fighters who have competed in the UFC over 33 years, only 62 have managed seven knockouts total, representing just 2.29 percent. Prates also holds the record for fastest to 14 knockdowns in UFC history, achieving this in just 17 incomplete rounds, giving him the highest average knockdown rate per 15 minutes of fight time. Additionally, he earned seven Performance of the Night bonuses faster than anyone in UFC history, needing only eight fights compared to the average of 15 fights for other fighters. The post characterizes Prates' eight-fight run as one of the top three most spectacular starts in UFC history, noting he has finished two former UFC champions who had never been knocked out before, including one via low kicks.
Carlos Prates has cemented himself as one of the most devastating finishers in UFC history, setting multiple knockout-related records across his first eight fights in the promotion.
Known as "The Nightmare," the 32-year-old Brazilian welterweight has become the fastest fighter ever to record seven UFC knockout victories, reaching that milestone in just eight bouts. The previous record was held jointly by two heavyweight legends — Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez — who each needed nine fights to reach the same mark. The feat is even more striking given the broader context: out of 2,710 fighters who have competed in the UFC across 33 years, only 62 have ever reached seven knockouts total, a figure representing just 2.29 percent of everyone to enter the Octagon.
Prates, currently ranked fifth in the welterweight division with a professional record of 24-7, also holds the record for fastest to 14 knockdowns in UFC history, accumulating them across just 17 incomplete rounds. That translates to the highest average knockdown rate per 15 minutes of any fighter in the promotion's history. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, the switch-stance striker lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
His bonus record is equally remarkable. Prates earned seven Performance of the Night bonuses in just eight appearances, a pace that dwarfs the UFC average of 15 fights for fighters who reach that same total.
Among the highlights of his run, Prates has finished two former UFC champions who had never previously been stopped by knockout — one of them finished via low kicks.
Why it matters
- Prates sits fifth in the welterweight rankings, making his finishing rate directly relevant to title contention
- His record surpasses those set by former heavyweight champions Cormier and Velasquez, crossing divisional lines
- Two former champions unable to finish him on the feet have both been stopped, underscoring the style threat he poses to any opponent
