UFC’s number 2 ranked welterweight, Carlos Prates, is already contemplating his professional fighting future and has expressed intentions for an early retirement.
The 32-year-old Brazilian fighter holds an impressive 7-1 record in the UFC, with every single one of his wins ending in a knockout. His most recent victory was against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth, where he secured a TKO in the third round. Having recently defeated two former champions consecutively, Prates is confident that his next bout will be for the welterweight championship title.
However, in a candid conversation with Ariel Helwani, Prates revealed the significant physical toll his career has taken. He admitted to suffering from persistent back pain and severe footache daily, stating that he doesn’t wake up a single day without experiencing some level of discomfort.
Prates is unwilling to endure prolonged post-training pain and has decided to retire from fighting within the next three to four years. He described his morning struggles:
“When I wake up and get out of bed, bro, I can barely walk. I have to wait about 20 minutes. I need to wait for the pain in my back and my feet to subside.”
During the same interview, Prates also indicated an interest in facing Ilia Topuria, should “El Matador” move up to the welterweight division after capturing the championship.
This pursuit of a high-profile fight like one against Topuria suggests that before Prates hangs up his gloves, he aims to secure lucrative, high-profile matches, ensuring a financially secure retirement.
Carlos Prates’ Unusual Sleep Habits
Adding to his physical challenges, Carlos Prates also revealed unconventional sleep patterns, deviating significantly from the typical recovery needs of professional athletes. In his discussion with Ariel Helwani, Prates confessed that he is not a fan of extended sleep and usually manages only about four hours of sleep on a typical day.
He explained his sleep schedule:
“Bro, I can’t sleep much. On normal days, I sleep about 4 hours. I go to bed around 11 PM or midnight, and then I wake up at 1:30 AM and stay awake all night. Then, I go back to sleep around 6:30 AM until 8:30/9 AM, after which I head to the gym.”