Reports suggest UFC welterweight contender Carlos Prates is scheduled to make his return on the undercard of the Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev event at UFC 319.
Carlos Prates is reportedly just weeks away from stepping back into the UFC Octagon as he seeks to re-establish himself in the welterweight division.
Prates, a notable fighter from Brazil`s `Fighting Nerds` team, hasn`t competed since suffering his first UFC loss to Ian Machado Garry in a main event bout at UFC Kansas City earlier this year. That defeat snapped an impressive 11-fight winning streak, which included victories over fighters like Neil Magny and Li Jingliang.
The former standout from Dana White’s Contender Series is not expected to have a long break before his next appearance.
Carlos Prates Set for First Bout Since Losing to Ian Machado Garry
Initial reports from MMA journalist Laerte Viana indicate that the UFC is planning for Prates to face Geoff Neal at UFC 319. This matchup was originally slated for UFC 314 earlier this year but was canceled when Neal withdrew due to injury.
Neal`s last fight was a TKO win against former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 308 in October. Before that victory, Neal had faced back-to-back losses against Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov.
As of now, the UFC has not made an official announcement regarding the Neal vs. Prates fight, but one could be expected in the coming weeks. UFC 319 is notable for marking the promotion`s return to Chicago after a six-year absence.
The UFC 319 card is also expected to feature the middleweight return of Michael ‘Venom’ Page taking on former title challenger Jared Cannonier. Recent rumors suggested a lightweight clash between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje for the event, though Pimblett has since addressed these on social media.
Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal Adds Strength to UFC 319 Undercard
Prates` potential fight contributes to what has been an active year for the ‘Fighting Nerds’ team in 2025. Another team member, UFC middleweight contender Caio Borralho, is scheduled to return in September at UFC Paris against Nassourdine Imavov.
Prates` featherweight teammate, Jean Silva, is set to headline Noche UFC in September opposite former title challenger Diego Lopes, following Silva`s recent submission win over Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314.
UFC lightweight Mauricio Ruffy from the same team is currently without a fight booking, but reports suggest an announcement for his next bout is imminent. Ruffy recently secured a knockout victory over Bobby Green at UFC 313.
