Carlos Prates only has three years left in his combat sports career.
But Prates, 32, could exit stage left much sooner if he manages to win the welterweight title. That said, capturing the 170-pound crown is only half of the equation. The other half comes with a victory over division rival Ian Garry, who shut down the Brazilian for the decision win at UFC Kansas City last April.
“We’re always cool, after our fight we’re not enemies. I told [Ian] many times, I have to compete with him again,” Prates told Ariel Helwani. “I’m gonna fight for the belt, win the belt, then challenge him to do a rematch. Then I’m gonna stop fighting MMA. I don’t wanna fight too much, bro. I just want to get the belt, and then, of course, make a rematch against Ian. I feel like I have to compete against him again. I went six years without a loss and then he came and gave me a loss again. It’s not nice, you know? I feel like I could beat this guy. So I’m gonna fix some mistakes.”
“So that’s the plan,” Prates continued. “Just enjoy my life, [eat some] barbecue, [drink] some beers. I’m going to fight until I’m 35. If I become champ early, I stop early. Do nothing bro, just relax, just enjoy my time in the pool. Just chill and take care of my mom, you know? Sometimes go to the gym, help other guys. Just, you know, invest a lot of money to be safe after I’m done fighting and just enjoy my life.”
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