Carlos Prates next fight is suddenly one of the most talked-about questions at welterweight, and he earned that heat the old-fashioned way. At UFC 319 in Chicago, the Brazilian ended Geoff Neal with a spinning back elbow at 4:59 of round one, one of the rarest walk-off finishes you’ll see at this level. The official score sheet lists a KO via spinning back elbow right before the horn, a statement win that also brought a $50,000 bonus.
Leon Edwards Angle And Rio Confirmation
After his win, Carlos called for a fight with Leon Edwards and said he wants it at UFC Rio on October 11. In his post-fight media, Prates even labeled Edwards as his “first option” for Rio, while remaining open to Michael “Venom” Page.
While the Edwards matchup feels unlikely for October, the Rio placement looks set. Dana White accepted Prates’ plea and confirmed he’ll be on the UFC Rio card, a message Joe Rogan relayed in-cage after the KO. That keeps Carlos Prates next fight aligned with the Brazil date, with the opponent still to be finalized.
Carlos Prates Next Fight At UFC Rio? MVP Steps Up
Within hours, the most realistic headline for Carlos Prates next fight became a quick turnaround in Brazil. The UFC has announced a Rio card on October 11 headlined by Charles Oliveira vs Rafael Fiziev, and at the UFC 319 post-fight press conference Michael “Venom” Page publicly said he is 100% willing to face Prates there:
You’re not hitting me with that spinning elbow but yeah, 100 percent, that’s a great fight.
Prates welcomed the idea when asked:
If the UFC gives me him, that’s ok. Let’s fight.
Page’s interest carries weight because he just beat Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision on the same UFC 319 card, showing clean shot selection and composure at middleweight. A Prates vs MVP matchup would be back at welterweight, but the momentum and visibility are perfect on both sides.
Carlos Prates Next Fight Narrative After The Garry Loss
There was skepticism around Prates after his April main event against Ian Machado Garry. Garry outpointed him over five rounds in Kansas City, mixing timing and range to keep Prates off the center line and win a unanimous decision. That defeat reset expectations, but it did not erase Prates’ threat level, and the Neal finish at UFC 319 reframed the conversation entirely.
Beating Neal matters historically too. Neal had never been knocked out in the UFC until Prates found the spinning elbow with one second left in the round, a rare technique that instantly restored the Brazilian’s surge toward the rankings. The Neal knockout pushes Prates straight back into highlight reels and restored his momentum after the Garry loss.
The Smoker Strikes Back
At the post-fight press conference, Carlos Prates lit a cigarette while answering questions. Later, in a separate media scrum, Dana White walked in and joked: “Who’s smoking in here?”, clearly knowing it was Prates.
That media presence matters when you are trying to secure the right dance partner. MVP understands the business and immediately answered the call. Prates responded positively to Page’s offer, reinforcing that Carlos Prates next fight is not just speculation but a realistic booking target for October.
Carlos Prates Next Fight Timing And Venue
All signs point to UFC Rio on October 11 at Farmasi Arena. The schedule is set and the promotion is actively building out the card. With both Prates and Page healthy after UFC 319, an eight-week turnaround is feasible and keeps the welterweight picture moving. If the UFC pulls the trigger, expect a co-main or featured slot beneath Oliveira vs Fiziev.
If It Isn’t MVP, What Then?
If negotiations pivot, the goal for Carlos Prates next fight should remain the same: a ranked opponent with striking gravitas to reward his style and the fresh attention his finish generated in Chicago. The UFC might have a few welterweights who fit that bill for Brazil in October but Page is the cleanest, loudest option today.
Other credible options include Gabriel Bonfim fresh off a split decision over Stephen Thompson on July 12 at UFC Nashville and who has openly floated Oct 11 in Rio, Daniel Rodriguez after his July 19 win over Kevin Holland at UFC 318 and currently unbooked, Joaquin Buckley who headlined against Kamaru Usman on June 14 and has no next opponent announced, and Michael Morales who stopped Gilbert Burns in the first round on May 17 and sits in the rankings, with the caveat that he has hinted at returning Sept 13 rather than October.
Bottom Line
Prates turned a cautious spring into a violent summer with one elbow. The Garry loss showed where adjustments were needed; the Neal knockout showed he can apply them and close a fight in a heartbeat. With MVP volunteering and Rio locked on the calendar, the only question left is whether the UFC signs it for October.
