Carlos Prates' nickname 'The Nightmare' has an unexpected origin story unrelated to his fighting style. In the 2000s, a popular Brazilian children's show called 'Sítio do Picapau Amarelo' featured a character named Pesadelo, which translates to 'Nightmare' in English. Friends of Prates believed he resembled this television character and gave him the nickname accordingly. The moniker later transitioned perfectly from his personal life into his professional fighting career. Despite the comparison made by his friends, the person sharing this story noted they see no actual resemblance between Prates and the character.
Carlos Prates has built a fearsome reputation inside the octagon, but the origin of his "Nightmare" nickname has nothing to do with the punishment he inflicts on opponents.
Prates, a 32-year-old Brazilian welterweight ranked fifth in the UFC's 170-pound division, carries the moniker thanks to a beloved children's television show. In the 2000s, a character named Pesadelo — which translates directly to "Nightmare" in English — appeared on the popular Brazilian series "Sítio do Picapau Amarelo." Friends of Prates decided he resembled the character and the name stuck. Whoever first shared the story did note, however, that they personally see no real resemblance between Prates and the fictional Pesadelo.
The nickname eventually followed Prates out of his personal life and into the fight game, where it has taken on an entirely different meaning. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, the Vale Top Team product has compiled a professional record of 24 wins and 7 losses. He fights out of a switch stance and has demonstrated genuine finishing ability throughout his career, landing 3.77 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 55 percent — numbers that make his ring name feel entirely appropriate regardless of its origins.
Why it matters
- The story adds a rare personal dimension to one of the welterweight division's rising names, showing how fighter nicknames can carry unexpected backstories.
- Prates sits at number five in the welterweight rankings, meaning his public profile continues to grow and details like this will attract wider fan interest.
- His combination of reach, volume striking, and switch-stance versatility have made him a genuine threat at 170 pounds, giving the childhood nickname an unintended second life.
