“I’m a big dreamer,” he said with conviction. “Every time I head into a fight, right before I begin my training camp, I close my eyes, and I can vividly imagine the moment when the judges are raising my hands in victory,” he added, his eyes sparkling with passion.
“Judges? You won’t need to see them,” I interjected playfully, a smile creeping across my face, fully aware that all three of his remarkable UFC victories have been secured decisively, without leaving the outcome to the judges’ scorecards. Each win earned him a coveted Performance of the Night bonus, extending his impressive overall finishing streak to nine consecutive fights and propelling his run of victories to an astounding ten straight.
“The referee!” he exclaimed, laughter spilling from him as he acknowledged my playful jab, quickly correcting himself. “It’s also a reflection of my training with Carlos Prates — I focus on pushing forward, putting in the hard work, and allowing everything else to unfold naturally,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to hard work and perseverance.
Prates doesn’t simply speak about dedication; he embodies it in every aspect of his training regimen.
A proud native of Taubate, a bustling city with a population of approximately 320,000 inhabitants situated in the state of Sao Paulo, he not only trains diligently at his home base with the esteemed Vale Top Team but also embarks on a rigorous two-hour journey each direction to the vibrant city of Sao Paulo. There, he collaborates with the dynamic Fighting Nerds team, a collective that has been making waves in the UFC recently.
“I represent VTT, my home team based in Taubate, and each time I train with the Fighting Nerds, I commit to a two-hour drive to Sao Paulo,” Prates shared, highlighting the motivation he derives from training alongside talented fighters like Caio Borralho, Jean Silva, and Mauricio Ruffy, who are also thriving in their first year in the UFC. “After training, I jump back into my car for another two-hour ride back to Taubate, only to train again later that night,” he elaborated, revealing the depth of his dedication and relentless spirit.
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Me, “Yes, of course! The referee will be the one to raise my hand. But truly, I envision every detail of the fight—how I’ll execute my game plan, land the perfect strikes, and finish strong. It’s all about turning dreams into reality.”
“Speaking of game plans, what’s your favorite technique to use in the cage?” I asked, eager to delve into the nuances of his fighting style.
“Oh, without a doubt, my favorite is the rear-naked choke. There’s something so satisfying about getting that lock in and watching my opponent realize they have nowhere to go. It’s like a chess match; you’re always thinking two steps ahead,” he explained.
I nodded, impressed. “That must take immense discipline to perfect. How did you initially get into MMA?”
He leaned back, his expression turning thoughtful. “I grew up watching martial arts movies and idolizing fighters. I started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in high school and the rest just fell into place. Every training session fueled my passion even more,” he reminisced.
“Your passion is infectious! With your current winning streak, have you set any new goals for yourself?” I asked, sensing an electric energy emanating from him.
“Absolutely! I’m striving to capture a title and defend it. I want to prove that I belong at the top of this division. But ultimately, I just want to keep finishing fights and putting on a show for the fans,” he concluded, his eyes gleaming with determination.
“Sounds like you’re on a mission. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!” I wrapped up, knowing that this fighter’s journey was just beginning.
