Carlos Prates proved his hype was justified with another stellar performance in his first main event at UFC Fight Night 247, and likely locked up a Newcomer of the Year award.
Prates (21-6 MMA, 4-0 UFC) didn’t get an easy challenge in the smaller cage at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. He was lined up against Neil Magny, a mainstay of the UFC welterweight division’s rankings, yet the Brazilian made it look relatively easy. Prates left Magny (29-13 MMA, 22-12 UFC) lying motionless on the canvas at 4:50 of the opening round.
The opening sequence revealed Magny’s gameplan to get the fight to the ground. Prates reversed the initial attempt and brought the fight back to the feet. Magny was determined to impose his will though, and kept hunting for takedowns.
