UFC champion Islam Makhachev is once more impressed with Carlos Prates’ efficiency and food plan. Carlos Prates turned heads at UFC Struggle Evening Perth on Might 2, 2026, when he stopped Jack Della Maddalena by way of TKO within the third spherical. The Brazilian fighter landed brutal punches, kicks, and elbows to put on down the native favourite in his personal yard. Referee Mike Bell stepped in after Prates dropped Della Maddalena with leg kicks and floor strikes, marking Prates’ fourth straight UFC knockout win.
Carlos Prates TKOs Ex-Champ, Will get Islam Makhachev Cake Shoutout
Della Maddalena entered the bout trying to rebound from his November 2025 title loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322. Makhachev dominated that struggle with takedowns and management time throughout 5 rounds, incomes a unanimous choice (50-45 x3) to say the welterweight belt and prolong his win streak to 16. Prates’ win over the identical opponent places him in place to chase the strap held by the Dagestani champ.
Makhachev wasted no time reacting on X after the Perth occasion. He posted, “Good job Nutella cake #ufcperth,” poking enjoyable at Prates’ notorious food plan. The remark traces again to UFC 322 struggle week, when Makhachev noticed Prates consuming Nutella cake for lunch regardless of the strict lower calls for. Prates has leaned into the tales about his cake behavior, smoking, and ingesting, turning them into a part of his persona whereas stacking knockouts.
In his post-fight speak with Michael Bisping, Prates known as himself the highest contender and named Makhachev as his subsequent goal. He holds a 7-1 UFC file since his debut, with latest finishes over Neil Magny, Li Jingliang, and now Della Maddalena. His solely loss got here by way of choice to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025.
Garry sits forward within the title image, with talks underway for a shot towards Makhachev at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Prates misplaced their first assembly however needs the rematch for gold after sorting different enterprise. Beating Della Maddalena, the previous No. 1 contender, ought to vault Prates into the highest 5 rankings subsequent week.
Prates‘ path ahead is dependent upon that title struggle consequence. A win for Garry units up their grudge match; a Makhachev victory opens the door right away. Fighters like Michael Morales lurk as options if scheduling shifts. Prates retains delivering finishes regardless, and his unorthodox prep has followers watching shut.
