Reports indicate UFC welterweight contender Carlos Prates is planned to return on the undercard of the Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev event.
It is reported that Carlos Prates is mere weeks away from making his return to the UFC Octagon, aiming to re-establish himself in the welterweight title picture.
Prates, a notable member of Brazil’s ‘Fighting Nerds’ team, has not competed since his main event defeat to Ian Machado Garry at UFC Kansas City earlier this year. This loss snapped an impressive 11-fight winning streak, which included recent victories over prominent fighters such as Neil Magny and Li Jingliang.
According to available information, the former standout from Dana White’s Contender Series will not have a long wait before his next appearance.
Carlos Prates set for first fight since suffering first UFC loss to Ian Machado Garry
As first reported by MMA journalist Laerte Viana, the UFC is targeting a matchup between Prates and Geoff Neal for the UFC 319 undercard, supporting the Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev headliner. This pairing was previously scheduled to occur at UFC 314 earlier this year, but Neal was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Neal’s last fight was a TKO victory over former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 308 in October. Prior to that win, Neal had suffered consecutive losses to Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov.
As of the time of this writing, the UFC matchmakers have not officially announced the Neal vs. Prates bout, but an official confirmation could potentially come in the upcoming weeks. UFC 319 marks the promotion’s return to Chicago after a six-year hiatus.
UFC 319 is also expected to feature the middleweight return of Michael ‘Venom’ Page, who is slated to face former title challenger Jared Cannonier. Recent rumors suggested a lightweight clash between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje for UFC 319, although Pimblett has since addressed and dismissed these rumors on social media.
Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal adds significant depth to UFC 319 undercard
Prates aims to contribute to what has been a successful year for the ‘Fighting Nerds’ team in 2025. UFC middleweight contender Caio Borralho is scheduled to return in September at UFC Paris, facing Nassourdine Imavov.
Prates` teammate in the featherweight division, Jean Silva, will headline the Noche UFC event in September, where he will compete against former title challenger Diego Lopes. Silva most recently secured a submission victory over Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314.
UFC lightweight Mauricio Ruffy currently does not have a fight booked, but reports suggest his next bout announcement is expected in the coming days. Ruffy previously secured a knockout win over Bobby Green at UFC 313.
Percy Harlow