Carlos Prates fresh off his knockout win over Leon Edwards at UFC 309 revealed he nearly competed in a jiu jitsu match before the year’s end. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show the Brazilian welterweight contender disclosed details about a grappling opportunity that fell through because of UFC restrictions.
When discussing his return timeline Prates mentioned an unexpected proposition.
“I almost fought, 30th December, some grappling event, some grappling show asking me to fight Tsarukyan in grappling but UFC didn’t let me fight. I say yes but UFC didn’t let me fight.”
Editor’s note: Quote was edited for clarity.
The potential opponent would have been Arman Tsarukyan a top lightweight contender known for his grappling skill. When asked about the matchup Prates remained optimistic about the entertainment value and replied
“Yeah, it would be cool, you know, but UFC said nope.”
During the Madison Square Garden match cameras captured Prates appearing completely unfazed while Edwards had his back and was landing strikes. Explaining his composure Prates said
“I train a lot of grappling. I think now I train more grappling than striking.”
The welterweight contender credited his training partner for preparing him for such positions.
“I train with Caio Borralho. He did that position with me many times. You know Caio is much better grappler much heavier than Leon. So I was pretty calm there.”
He continued
“I was like he okay he don’t want to submit me. He don’t want to make me tap. I just need to make his his leg get tired and then he give up at the position.”
The grappling match would have taken place on December 30 which gave Prates little rest after his November 16 knockout win. The UFC choice to block the grappling match means fans will not see Prates test his jiu jitsu outside the octagon for now.
Prates remains active in training and already returned to the gym. He is focused on securing a UFC welterweight title shot though he is open to any top contender the promotion offers.
