The welterweight division just got a whole lot more interesting after UFC Perth. Carlos Prates didn't just win—he made a statement. And in the process, he sent shockwaves through the rankings that have fans and analysts alike asking: Is he the next big threat to the title?
Prates answered every question thrown his way with authority. Could he handle another former welterweight champion fresh off a title loss? Absolutely. Could he do it in dominant, highlight-reel fashion? Without a doubt. And is it time for him to get his shot at the belt? That's still up for debate—but the buzz has never been louder.
With three straight wins, seven victories in his last eight UFC appearances, and a bonus-worthy finish in each triumph, Prates is riding a wave of momentum. He's the hottest fighter on the Fighting Nerds team right now, and his rise is a key part of their impressive bounce-back campaign.
After dismantling Jack Della Maddalena on Saturday, Prates has cracked MMA Fighting's top 5 at 170 pounds, landing at No. 5. Meanwhile, "JDM" takes a hard fall, dropping four spots to No. 6. It's a stunning reversal of fortune. Just six months ago, Della Maddalena was the champion. Now, he looks a long way from contending again.
While a title shot isn't likely imminent—champion Islam Makhachev is expected to face Ian Machado Garry next—Prates has firmly planted himself on the shortlist of future challengers. Alongside rising stars like Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov, he's exactly the kind of fighter fans want to see test Makhachev's reign.
Here's a look at the updated 170-pound rankings and what's coming next:
Recent Results: No. 7 Carlos Prates def. No. 2 Jack Della Maddalena
Upcoming Bouts Featuring Ranked Fighters:
- No. 7 Belal Muhammad vs. No. 15 Gabriel Bonfim (UFC Vegas 118, June 6)
- No. 8 Sean Brady vs. No. 11 Joaquin Buckley (UFC 328, May 9)
- No. 13 Yaroslav Amosov vs. Joel Alvarez (UFC 328, May 9)
Also Receiving Votes: Jason Jackson (2), Geoff Neal (1)
The welterweight division is heating up, and whether you're training for your next fight or just gearing up for game day, make sure your gear is as ready as you are. From fight shorts to compression tops, we've got everything you need to perform at your best.