Carlos Prates

Carlos Prates is the kind of welterweight matchmakers and fans both circle on the calendar. A product of Brazil's breakout Fighting Nerds gym, he carries genuine one-shot knockout power and the unhurried composure to land it, and he turned that into a string of UFC finishes that fast-tracked him toward title contention.

Wins over a durable veteran like Neil Magny and a dangerous striker like Geoff Neal showed both his power and his polish. A competitive decision loss to Ian Garry was a reminder that the top of the division is unforgiving, but it did little to dim his stock.

For newcomers, he's an easy fighter to fall for: every Prates bout carries the sense that a highlight-reel finish is one exchange away.