Carlos Prates labels Leon Edwards as 'first option' for UFC Rio de Janeiro
Following his devastating knockout win at UFC 319, Prates (22-7 MMA, 5-1 UFC) took the microphone, pointed at UFC CEO Dana White, and called for a fight on the Oct. 11 UFC Fight Night event that's scheduled to go down in Rio de Janeiro. Fortunately for Prates, he immediately got the approval and the news on a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
However, Prates wasn't done. He went on to call out a former UFC welterweight champion before exciting the cage.
"I think the co-main event in Rio should be Carlos Prates against Leon Edwards," Prates said in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. "All respect for that guy, but the time is now."
Meanwhile, UFC star Michael Page spoke to the media backstage after his decision win over Jared Cannonier. He was asked about potentially fighting Prates, and he was all in. Prates likes the matchup, but prefers getting a former UFC champion for his return.
"Anybody who steps in the cage, but Rio, Oct. 11, I'll be there," Prates said backstage speaking with reporters. "The first option, of course, is Leon. I'm here to fight the best guys in the world so I can prove I'm the best in the world, so anybody who steps in the cage, I'm going to be there."
If the promotion goes the Page route, Prates wouldn't be bothered. He likes the fight and said "Venom" was someone he had been watching for some time.
"It's going to be good. It's going to be an interesting fight," Prates said regarding a potential fight with Page. "He inspired me for a long time, so if UFC give me him, that's OK: Let's fight."
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