Carlos Prates has set a historic UFC record by earning seven knockout victories in just eight fights, the fastest pace in promotional history. The previous record holders were Junior Dos Santos and Cain Velasquez, both heavyweights who achieved this in nine fights. Only 62 fighters out of 2,710 who have competed in UFC's 33-year history have reached seven knockouts, representing just 2.29 percent. Prates also holds records for the fastest 14 knockdowns in UFC history, accomplished in just 17 incomplete rounds, and the highest average knockdown rate per 15 minutes of fight time. Additionally, he became the fastest fighter to earn seven Performance of the Night bonuses, doing so in 8 fights versus the average of 15. The post suggests Prates represents a potential historic challenge for Islam Makhachev.
Carlos Prates has etched his name into UFC history by recording seven knockout victories in just eight promotional appearances, the fastest any fighter has ever reached that mark in the organization's 33-year existence.
The Brazilian welterweight's achievement surpasses the previous benchmark set by two heavyweight legends, Junior Dos Santos and Cain Velasquez, both of whom needed nine fights to accumulate seven knockouts. Velasquez, a former UFC heavyweight champion who finished his career at 14-3, was renowned for his relentless pace and output, averaging 6.37 significant strikes landed per minute across his career. That Prates has eclipsed records held by fighters of that caliber underscores just how extraordinary his finishing rate has been.
The numbers surrounding Prates extend well beyond the knockout tally. He also holds the UFC record for the fastest 14 knockdowns, achieving that mark across just 17 incomplete rounds, and carries the highest average knockdown rate per 15 minutes of fight time in promotional history. Of the 2,710 fighters who have competed in the UFC, only 62 — a mere 2.29 percent — have ever reached seven knockouts. Prates did it faster than all of them.
He has also earned seven Performance of the Night bonuses in those same eight fights. The average fighter requires 15 appearances to reach that bonus total.
Why it matters
- Prates has rewritten the UFC's knockout pace records previously held by heavyweight legends, an even more striking achievement given he competes at welterweight
- Islam Makhachev, the current welterweight champion with a 28-1 record and a top pound-for-pound ranking, has been mentioned as a potential future opponent, which would represent one of the most compelling style contrasts the division could produce
- Makhachev averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and holds a 58 percent striking accuracy, presenting a grappling-heavy profile that would offer a sharp contrast to Prates's historically elite finishing power on the feet
