UFC fan favorite Carlos Prates, unfortunately, will no longer be competing at UFC 314, with the event taking a late hit.
Carlos Prates is one of the most exciting fighters coming through the welterweight division, representing the most popular team in MMA at the moment, The Fighting Nerds.
‘The Nightmare’ is currently on a four-fight win streak since earning a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, with his last win having come against Neil Magny.
And with that, he was matched up welterweight mainstay, Geoff Neal, with them originally scheduled to fight on the blockbuster UFC 314 event on April 12.
Carlos Prates breaks silence following Neal withdrawal
Unfortunately, though, the UFC 314 card has taken a big hit, as it was announced during the UFC Mexico City broadcast on Saturday that ‘Handz of Steel’ Neal is out of their scheduled fight.
UFC commentator Jon Anik revealed that the promotion wouldn’t be looking for a late-notice opponent for the Brazilian and that he would instead be rebooked for a different event.
However, fans may not have to wait long until they are provided with some Prates fight news as just a few hours following the disappointing news, the 31-year-old dropped a major hint.
“News and good news coming soon!” Prates revealed on Instagram.
Prates is still ranked outside of the top 10 at 170lbs, however, the division suffered a big shake-up recently when Sean Brady dominated Leon Edwards in the UFC London main event.
Brady’s win highlighted that there is somewhat of a transitional period happening near the top of the division, with Prates hopeful that he will be a part of that.
UFC 314 set to be one of the best events of the year
Despite the event losing ‘The Nightmare’, it is still set to be one of the best events of 2025, with the card littered with incredible fights from top to bottom.
In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes fight for the vacant featherweight title, following Ilia Topuria’s surprise title vacation.
The co-main event is also set to be an incredible fight between Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler, with it being ‘The Baddy’s’ toughest test thus far.