Carlos Prates Net Worth & Biography
Carlos Prates is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC’s welterweight division. Born in Taubaté, Brazil, he overcame early setbacks and a challenging start in MMA by dedicating himself to improving his striking skills in Thailand. This determination helped him transition from a successful Muay Thai career into a rising star in mixed martial arts.
Today, Carlos stands out with a series of impressive knockout wins and multiple performance bonuses, showcasing power and precision in the octagon. His story is one of persistence and growth, moving from regional circuits to becoming a notable UFC contender. You’ll learn about his early life, fighting style, and career highlights, including his current net worth and impact on the sport. For a detailed view of fighters like Carlos Prates, you might find related profiles and insights useful.
Early Life and Background
Carlos Prates’ story begins far from the bright lights of the UFC octagon. His foundation was built on humble roots, where early challenges shaped the fighter he would become. Growing up in Brazil, Carlos faced financial difficulties that could have limited his opportunities. Yet, it was within this environment that the seeds of resilience and focus were planted—thanks largely to the steady guidance of his mother and the discipline of martial arts.
Childhood and Family Influence
Carlos’ upbringing was marked by the realities of a modest family struggling to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, his mother’s unwavering support provided him with a strong sense of hope and purpose. She encouraged him to find a constructive path, steering him away from distractions that often pull young boys in difficult neighborhoods off course.
Martial arts, introduced at a critical time in his youth, became more than just a sport. It was a lifeline — a structured outlet that channeled his energy and kept his ambitions alive. The combination of his mother’s influence and the discipline from martial training set the groundwork for a powerful mindset, teaching Carlos the value of hard work, respect, and patience.
Introduction to Muay Thai and Early Training
Carlos discovered Muay Thai as a teenager, a turning point that would shape his entire career. His first steps into the world of striking began at Vale Top Team, a respected gym known for producing disciplined fighters. Under the guidance of experienced trainers, he learned not just the techniques but the art of control, balance, and endurance.
Those early years at Vale Top Team were crucial. Training was intense, demanding focus and repetition — the kind of hard work that builds champions in the making. Carlos absorbed every lesson, forging a foundation of skill and discipline that would serve him well in every later fight. His time spent mastering Muay Thai didn’t just teach him how to strike effectively; it ingrained in him grit and determination.
From those early days, it’s clear that the path to who Carlos Prates is today starts with a strong family influence and a disciplined introduction to martial arts. These experiences planted the roots for a career built on perseverance and skill.
Professional MMA and Muay Thai Career
Carlos Prates’ journey through combat sports reflects a blend of determination, skill, and strategic choices. Starting as a focused Muay Thai practitioner, he eventually transitioned into MMA, where his actions in the cage have captured attention worldwide. His career path reveals how he used his striking foundation from Muay Thai to amplify his mixed martial arts performance, while experiences across Asia shaped his fighting style and mentality. This section highlights how Prates moved between these disciplines and marks some key moments that propelled him into the spotlight.
Transition from Muay Thai to MMA
Carlos Prates didn’t just stumble into MMA; his background in Muay Thai was a stepping stone that led him there with confidence. Early on, he split time between both sports, using each to sharpen different aspects of his fighting. Muay Thai taught him precision, timing, and powerful striking—skills that became his signature in MMA.
Training and competing in Thailand for several years, Prates soaked in authentic Muay Thai culture and training intensity. The relentless fight schedule he kept there forced him to develop resilience and creativity. When he shifted focus to MMA, these qualities set him apart. He learned how to complement his striking with grappling and ground work, creating a well-rounded skill set. His southpaw stance and long reach, honed on the Muay Thai mats, gave him unique angles and leverage in MMA fights.
This transition wasn’t without challenges. Early in his MMA career, Prates struggled with discipline and fighting in unsuitable weight classes. Moving back and forth between sports was a grind, but it paid off. The lessons from his striking days became a solid foundation. Over time, he refined his training, focused his approach, and scored knockout finishes that echoed his Muay Thai roots.
Key Fights and Milestones in Asia and Beyond
Carlos Prates’ career blossomed through notable performances on the Asian fight circuit, where he proved himself in several important events. His time competing in Thailand, China, and regional tournaments gave him exposure and experience against a variety of tough opponents.
Some of the standout moments include:
- Winning the SFT Xtreme Welterweight Championship in Brazil after returning from Asia, marking his rise as a serious contender.
- Competing in ONE Championship’s Warrior Series, where he picked up significant wins like a notable victory over Gunther Kalunda, helping him gain wider recognition.
- Battles in Full Metal Dojo events in Thailand showcased his ability to finish fights with submissions, such as his rear-naked choke win over Yousef Wehbe in Phuket.
- Memorable bouts against respected fighters in China and Thailand, such as his split decision victory over Jiao Fukai, and powerful knockouts including a first-round KO at Muay Hardcore with a knee to the body.
These experiences shaped Carlos Prates into the fighter he is today—confident, versatile, and hungry for success on the biggest stage. His travels and victories across Asia prepared him well to face top competitors in the UFC’s welterweight division, where his knockout prowess and fight IQ have earned him multiple performance bonuses.
Carlos Prates’ story is not just about winning fights; it’s about mastering the art of modern combat by blending traditional striking with mixed martial arts strategy. His journey shows how dedication and smart career moves can transform potential into real achievement.
Rise in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
Carlos Prates’ arrival in the UFC marked a dramatic shift in his career trajectory. After years of fighting across Asia and honing his skills in Muay Thai and MMA, Prates stepped onto the biggest stage in mixed martial arts, quickly making an impression. His journey from the underdog struggling in smaller circuits to a rising star in the UFC welterweight division shows a fighter who learned from setbacks and turned opportunity into success. Below, we explore key moments that defined his rise and secured his place among the sport’s most exciting knockout artists.
Dana White’s Contender Series Success
Carlos Prates’ breakout moment came at Dana White’s Contender Series, a platform known for discovering fresh UFC talent. His performance turned heads when he delivered a stunning knockout in the second round, a precise and powerful finish that earned him a coveted UFC contract. This fight was more than just a win; it was a clear turning point that validated his years of hard work and sacrifice.
The knockout was not just impressive for its force—it showcased his refined striking ability, timing, and composure under pressure. Many fighters compete fiercely on this platform, but Prates stood out by demonstrating his ability to handle high stakes with a calm, aggressive approach. This pivotal victory opened the door for his UFC career and proved his readiness to compete at the sport’s highest level.
Impressive UFC Performances and Recognition
Once inside the UFC, Carlos Prates wasted no time proving his worth. He quickly built a reputation as a knockout artist with a series of decisive wins. Notable victories over established fighters like Neil Magny and Li Jingliang cemented his status as a rising star. Each win came with its own highlight: a knockout here, a perfectly timed knee to the body there, and relentless pressure that left opponents scrambling.
Carlos has secured multiple Performance of the Night bonuses, a testament to the excitement and quality he brings to every fight. These awards highlight his ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion and entertain fans. For example:
- Against Neil Magny, he not only fended off all takedown attempts but knocked Magny out in the first round.
- Versus Li Jingliang at UFC 305, Prates delivered a birthday knockout with a devastating left hook, earning him another performance bonus.
His fighting style, enriched by years of Muay Thai and international experience, shines through in the octagon. Prates uses his long reach, southpaw stance, and sharp striking to control the pace and wear down enemies, often ending fights early with precise knockouts. This string of wins and his flair for highlight-reel finishes have made him a favorite among fans and a serious contender in the welterweight division.
Carlos Prates’ rise in the UFC isn’t just about wins; it’s about showing the world his journey, skills, and heart. His rapid success reflects a fighter who has learned from every challenge and now thrives in the spotlight, carving out a legacy as one of Brazil’s most exciting MMA talents.
Net Worth and Endorsements of Carlos Prates in 2025
Carlos Prates’ financial standing in 2025 reflects not just his talent inside the octagon but also the smart moves he’s made outside it. His journey from regional fights to UFC prominence brought increasing paychecks and sponsorship deals, building a solid net worth. It’s not just about the numbers; understanding how his earnings break down and his grounded approach to money reveals a more complete picture of who Carlos Prates is.
Earnings Breakdown from UFC and Sponsorships
Carlos’s income primarily comes from his UFC fight purses and performance bonuses, supplemented by sponsorships that align with his growing popularity. In 2024 and continuing into 2025, his UFC base pay increased as he secured multiple victories and performance-based bonuses. Fighters like Carlos typically receive:
- Base fight pay: Ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 per fight, depending on the contract stage.
- Win bonuses and performance bonuses: Carlos regularly captures “Performance of the Night” awards, adding $50,000 per bonus.
- Sponsorship deals: While UFC’s exclusive outfitting deal limits fighters’ uniform sponsors, Carlos has endorsement agreements with brands focusing on sports nutrition, fight gear, and local Brazilian companies.
His 2024 year-end earnings combined fight purses and four performance bonuses, bringing him well into the mid-six-figure range before taxes. With upcoming bouts projected in 2025 and steady sponsor support, his net income reflects a healthy growth pattern. Besides cash payments, some sponsorship contracts include equity in fitness startups or royalties from branded merchandise, adding long-term value.
Carlos is open about how these earnings allow him to invest in his training and lifestyle, while also setting aside resources for his family and community. His financial gains paint a realistic picture — not extravagant, but sustainable, reflecting his hard work and career choices.
Personal Views on Money and Success
Carlos Prates approaches money with humility and thanks. Despite his increasing net worth, he often stresses that his success isn’t measured just by dollars but by the support and people around him. He publicly shares gratitude for the sacrifices his family made and credits those who believed in him from the start.
Rather than flaunting wealth, Carlos emphasizes responsibility. He uses much of his earnings to help those who supported him during leaner times — coaches, gym staff, and family members. This mindset highlights a generosity that goes beyond the cage. Money, for him, is a tool to give back.
He often talks about success as a journey built on respect and balance. While fight bonuses bring excitement, his true satisfaction comes from the progress in his career and personal growth. That grounded view on wealth and achievement resonates with fans, showing a fighter who values character as much as trophies.
Carlos’s attitude about money and success reflects the discipline and respect that shaped his early life and continue to define his path. His story challenges the common stereotype of fighters chasing fortune, instead revealing someone committed to meaningful achievements and lasting relationships.
Conclusion
Carlos Prates has crafted a path from humble beginnings in Brazil to becoming a formidable force inside the UFC octagon. His story is one of steady growth—rooted in early family support, refined by years of striking and MMA experience across Asia, and now marked by knockout wins and earned respect at the highest level of competition.
His commitment to skill development and discipline shines through every fight, and his increasing net worth reflects not just success in the cage, but smart choices outside of it. As Prates faces tougher opponents ahead, his blend of precision and power makes him a fighter to watch closely.