Carlos Prates didn’t just win at UFC Perth—he sent a thunderous message to the entire welterweight division. Facing former champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event at RAC Arena in Australia, "The Nightmare" lived up to his moniker with a brutal, third-round TKO that left fans and fighters stunned.

This victory marks Prates’ third straight win, all by stoppage, following a decision loss to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025. It’s a remarkable turnaround that includes a knockout of another former champ, Leon Edwards, at UFC 322 last November. Now, Prates is making a loud case for a title shot—something he’s been vocal about since before the fight.

The reaction from the MMA world was immediate. UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, rumored to be next in line for a title defense against Machado Garry, was among those watching closely. "Jack had nothing," one pro noted, summing up the one-sided nature of the bout. Machado Garry himself took to social media, writing, "Carlos after I beat Islam – You and I in Brazil let’s do it!" It’s clear the division’s top contenders are already circling.

For fans of the sport, Prates’ performance raises a compelling question: with his current momentum and devastating finishing ability, will the UFC give him the next title shot? His run through former champions and top contenders is hard to ignore, and the welterweight division just got a whole lot more interesting.