UFC welterweight contender Carlos Prates has wasted no time lining up his next fight after producing a spectacular knockout win at UFC 319.
His long-awaited clash with fellow striker Geoff Neal lived up to its billing, with both men expected to deliver fireworks on the main card. The fight had been rescheduled from earlier in the year, and when it finally happened in Chicago, it proved to be worth the wait.
From the opening bell the pair traded heavy shots, each visibly rocking the other in a frantic first round. Neal began with an unusual flurry of leg kicks before shifting into his trademark boxing, forcing Prates onto the defensive.
But the Brazilian absorbed the early storm and responded with punishing body shots that began to sap Neal’s energy. Prates then found his rhythm midway through the round, slipping and feinting to unsettle his opponent.
As the first round drew to a close, Prates unleashed a spinning back elbow that landed flush on Neal’s forehead, dropping him instantly and sparking wild celebrations inside the United Center. The strike immediately entered the conversation for knockout of the year, underlining Prates’ reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the welterweight division.
Kursiv also reports that American UFC fighter Bryan Battle has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled contest against Uzbekistan’s Nursulton Ruziboev after failing to meet the middleweight limit.
