UFC 322: Carlos Prates Knocks Out Opponent Fulfills Promise and Moves Closer to Title Shot
Carlos Prates showcased an impressive performance at UFC 322, held on October 15, 2023, in New York. The Brazilian fighter made a bold statement by knocking out former champion Leon Edwards, bringing him one step closer to a title shot in the welterweight division.
Carlos Prates Delivers Knockout at UFC 322
In a highly anticipated matchup, Prates fulfilled his promise by defeating Edwards, who had not been knocked out in his previous 29 professional MMA fights. This significant victory not only highlights Prates’ striking abilities but also boosts his position in the competitive welterweight rankings.
Fight Breakdown
The fight commenced with both athletes exchanging kicks, showcasing their striking skills. Edwards landed a solid left jab early on, attempting to close the distance with a takedown. However, Prates utilized the cage effectively to remain on his feet.
- Prates landed a knee strike during an exchange.
- Edwards successfully executed a takedown but struggled to capitalize on it.
- The first round ended with Edwards attempting a rear-naked choke, but time ran out.
As the second round began, Prates aggressively targeted Edwards’ legs with powerful kicks. He gained momentum and delivered a devastating right hand that knocked Edwards out. The referee intervened to stop the fight before Prates could land additional strikes.
Prates’ Ambitions and Future Plans
Following his victory, Prates expressed his gratitude to the New York crowd and emphasized his desire to fight for the title. He eagerly called out the winner of the main event between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, indicating his readiness to compete at the highest level.
“Thank you, New York. You made me feel at home. I believe I bring excitement to the octagon. I’m ready to face the champion,” Prates declared after his win.
UFC 322 Results
| Fighter 1 | Fighter 2 | Result | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Prates | Leon Edwards | Knockout | 2 |
| Benoit Saint Denis | Beneil Dariush | Knockout | 1 |
| Bo Nickal | Rodolfo Vieira | Knockout | 3 |
| Gregory ‘Robocop’ | Roman Kopylov | Unanimous Decision | – |
| Erin Blanchfield | Tracy Cortez | Submission | 2 |
| Ethyn Ewing | Malcolm Wellmaker | Unanimous Decision | – |
| Kyle Daukaus | Gerald Meerschaert | Submission | 1 |
| Pat Sabatini | Chepe Mariscal | Unanimous Decision | – |
| Fatima Kline | Angela Hill | Unanimous Decision | – |
| Baisangur Susurkaev | Eric McConico | Knockout | 3 |
| Matheus Camilo | Viacheslav Borshchev | Unanimous Decision | – |
With this formidable performance at UFC 322, Carlos Prates has solidified his status as a contender, eagerly moving closer to a championship opportunity.
