Carlos Prates has achieved multiple historic UFC milestones in just eight fights. He became the fastest fighter in UFC history to record seven knockout victories, accomplishing the feat in eight bouts compared to nine for heavyweights Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez. Prates also set the record for fastest accumulation of 14 knockdowns in UFC history, achieving this in just 17 incomplete rounds, resulting in the highest average knockdown rate per 15 minutes of fight time ever recorded. Additionally, he became the fastest to earn seven Performance of the Night bonuses, requiring only eight fights compared to the historical average of 15 fights. Prates has consecutively knocked out two former UFC champions who had never been knocked out before. Analysts suggest that if Islam Makhachev defeats Ian Garry and Prates, he would equal Jon Jones' legacy, and a subsequent victory over Shavkat Rakhmonov would surpass it.
Carlos Prates has cemented his place in UFC history after just eight fights, setting multiple all-time records that span knockouts, knockdowns, and bonus awards.
The Brazilian welterweight has become the fastest fighter in UFC history to record seven knockout victories, reaching the mark in eight bouts. That edges out former heavyweight champions Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez, who each needed nine fights to reach the same total. Velasquez, now 43 and retired with a 14-3-0 record, was long regarded as one of the most physically dominant heavyweight champions in the promotion's history.
Prates also set the record for the fastest accumulation of 14 knockdowns in UFC history, doing so across just 17 incomplete rounds. That output translates to the highest average knockdown rate per 15 minutes of fight time ever recorded in the organization. On top of that, he earned seven Performance of the Night bonuses in those same eight appearances — a feat that historically has taken fighters an average of 15 fights to achieve.
Among his most striking accomplishments, Prates has consecutively knocked out two former UFC champions who had never previously been stopped by strikes.
Why it matters
- Prates is rewriting the UFC record books at welterweight, a division that already features unbeaten contender Shavkat Rakhmonov, ranked third at 19-0-0 with a six-foot-four frame and a 77-inch reach
- Analysts have framed potential matchups involving Prates and Islam Makhachev in historical terms, suggesting a run through Prates and Ian Garry would equal Jon Jones' legacy, with a win over Rakhmonov needed to surpass it — Jones holds a 28-1-0 record and is widely considered the sport's measuring stick
- The records Prates has broken span multiple weight classes, underscoring how unusual his finishing pace is regardless of division
