Prates sets UFC records for fastest knockouts and bonuses in eight-fight run

Caio Prates has achieved multiple historic UFC records during his first eight fights in the promotion. He reached seven knockout victories faster than anyone in UFC history (8 fights), beating even heavyweights like Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez who needed 9 fights. Prates also recorded 14 knockdowns in just 17 rounds, the fastest rate in UFC history and the highest average knockdowns per 15 minutes fought. Additionally, he earned seven Performance of the Night bonuses in just 8 fights, nearly twice as fast as the typical 15-fight average. The analysis suggests Prates' eight-fight stretch ranks in the top three most spectacular debuts in UFC history, having finished two former UFC champions who had never been knocked out before. The post contemplates potential future matchups with Islam Makhachev, suggesting victories over Ian Garry, Prates, and Shavkat Rakhmonov would establish Makhachev's legacy as equal to or surpassing Jon Jones.