Brazilian fighter Carlos Prates has poured cold water on the sizzling rumors of a potential showdown with the iconic Conor McGregor. But wait, did he just call McGregor a 'no name'?!
In a recent social media post, Prates addressed the speculation that has been swirling around the MMA world. The rumors suggested that the former two-division UFC champion, McGregor, was gearing up for a fight against a relatively unknown welterweight, and some fans pointed the finger at Prates. However, the Brazilian fighter has firmly denied these claims.
Prates, with a record of 23-7 in MMA and 6-1 in the UFC, is on a mission to set the record straight. He acknowledged the buzz around a potential clash with McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), but he doesn't see it as a fair fight. Prates believes it would be a one-sided affair, leaving the Irish superstar with a bitter taste in his mouth.
In his own words, Prates said, "I appreciate the hype, and it would be an honor to face Conor McGregor. But let's be real, the fight is unlikely. McGregor hasn't stepped into the octagon for five years, and I'm not the type of opponent he'd choose for a comeback. I'd knock him out, and that's not the way a legend like him should return. But if he's up for it, I'm ready."
Prates is currently riding a wave of success, having won his last two fights in the welterweight division. He brutally knocked out both Geoff Neal and former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, earning Performance of the Night honors for both victories. Prates is eagerly awaiting his first fight of 2026, following his last bout against Edwards in November at UFC 322.
As for McGregor, the 37-year-old hasn't competed since his loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, where he suffered a broken leg. He was close to a comeback in 2024 against Michael Chandler, but a broken toe dashed those hopes. Since then, the UFC has yet to schedule his return.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Prates downplaying McGregor's skills by calling him a 'no name'? Or is he simply stating the truth as he sees it? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Should this fight happen, who do you think would emerge victorious?
