Carlos Prates Addresses Conor McGregor Fight Speculation
Rumors regarding a potential comeback fight for Conor McGregor have generated significant excitement across the mixed martial arts community this week. Many enthusiastic fans believed the iconic Irish superstar could finally return to the Octagon after an absence of nearly five years from professional competition. Recent reports had specifically linked McGregor with Brazilian welterweight contender Carlos Prates, fueling widespread discussion.
McGregor's Long-Awaited Return and Injury History
Conor McGregor has been actively searching for a summer bout following a prolonged period of injury-related setbacks. His last fight occurred in 2021, where he suffered a devastating broken leg, leading to a lengthy recovery. Subsequently, he was forced to withdraw from a planned return event scheduled for 2024, further delaying his highly anticipated comeback to the UFC.
Prates Officially Responds to the Rumors
Carlos Prates has now directly addressed the mounting speculation himself. The 32-year-old Brazilian fighter revealed on his official Instagram account that he has not received any message, contract, or formal approach from the UFC regarding a potential matchup with Conor McGregor. While he openly admitted that such a high-profile fight would represent a monumental career opportunity, he also suggested it is unlikely to materialize.
Prates expressed his belief that the former two-division UFC champion will probably select an easier opponent for his long-awaited return to competition. The Brazilian welterweight explained in a detailed video reel that numerous supporters continue to inquire about a potential clash with Conor McGregor, but absolutely nothing official has been communicated by the promotion.
Prates Analyzes the Potential Matchup
Carlos Prates stated that hearing his name associated with a global superstar like McGregor fills him with pride, and he would undoubtedly welcome the chance to compete. However, according to his analysis, a fighter returning after such an extended hiatus would not logically choose one of the division's most dangerous and powerful strikers as his first opponent back.
He added that he maintains great respect for McGregor's legacy but firmly believes he would seriously damage the Irishman if they ever met inside the cage. For this strategic reason, Prates thinks it would not constitute a smart or sensible comeback fight for such a major celebrity athlete. Nevertheless, he insisted he remains fully prepared to compete against anyone and hopes for a bout that could propel him toward a title shot, mentioning both Jack Della Maddalena and Conor McGregor as ideal potential opponents.
Carlos Prates' Impressive UFC Record
Carlos Prates currently holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 23 wins and 7 losses. Within the UFC, his record stands at an impressive 6 victories and only 1 defeat. His sole loss in the promotion came against Ian Machado Garry in April 2025. Since that setback, he has rebounded emphatically with spectacular knockout wins over top contenders Geoff Neal and former welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
Every other victory he has secured in the UFC has also come by way of knockout, contributing to a remarkable career knockout rate of approximately 78 percent, establishing him as one of the most feared strikers in the welterweight division.
McGregor's Recent Social Media Activity and Dana White's Comments
Conor McGregor recently hinted on social media that he had accepted a fight offer against an unnamed opponent, but he later deleted the post. UFC President Dana White responded to these claims by stating he would have officially announced the bout if it were truly finalized. The Irish fighter subsequently posted again, clarifying that he is still actively waiting for the contractual details to be settled, keeping fans in suspense regarding his eventual return date and opponent.
