UFC 322 was supposed to provide answers in the welterweight division. Instead, it seems to have raised more questions for Dana White and the matchmakers. In the second main card bout, Carlos Prates didn’t just knock out Leon Edwards; he made a statement. ‘Rocky’ entered UFC 322 looking to end a two-fight losing streak, and for a round, it appeared that he would finally find his feet. Then Prates turned the script with one of the year’s cleanest straight lefts, dropping the former champion and proving that power can erase a résumé in seconds. And with that one punch, the welterweight landscape truly fell apart.

Fans have focused all week on Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales as the unofficial No. 1 contender fight. It made perfect sense; the winner of that match would get the next shot. However, as ‘The Nightmare’ flattened Edwards, the entire narrative flipped in an instant. Even Joe Rogan admitted on commentary that the division had a new problem on its hands.

Carlos Prates just forced his way into the title picture at UFC 322

After viewing the KO, Joe Rogan did not mince words. Earlier in the night, he was confident that the winner of Brady vs. Morales would leave Madison Square Garden as the clear title challenger. But when ‘The Nightmare’ blasted Edwards, the UFC commentator had to reconsider it in real time. “Many saying Brady and Morales is the title contender. But after that… it’s crazy,” he stated, sounding stunned like everyone else.

He wasn’t wrong; a knockout like that immediately changes priorities. As the adrenaline from the win lingered, Carlos Prates marched backstage and wasted no time taking his shot. He walked by Dana White and demanded, “I want the belt.” The head honcho of the promotion gave a short, almost instinctual “yea, we’ll make the fight,” but the timing has surely put him in an awkward position.

Top Stories

Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik Among UFC Veterans to Lose Jobs After $7.7 Billion Paramount Deal

Nick Diaz Reunites With Girlfriend in First Public Photo After Months in Mexican Rehab

Who Is Arman Tsarukyan’s Father? Nairi Tsarukyan’s Net Worth, Profession & Businesses

Alex Pereira Forced to Clarify Recent Statement as Fans Fixate Over Tracy Cortez Breakup

Colby Covington Avoids Arman Tsarukyan to Call Out UFC GOAT After Winning RAF Debut

After all, how do you dismiss a man who just flatlined a former champion? How can you explain bypassing him when Joe Rogan himself is sitting cageside, claiming he may have jumped the line? That is exactly the dilemma now after UFC 322. Morales looked fantastic earlier in the night, defeating Brady cleanly and displaying all the tools of a potential winner.

But ‘The Nightmare’ stole the show with one blow. One win was technical, while the other was violent and unmistakable. And now Dana White, Joe Rogan, and the matchmakers must navigate a division where the obvious option is no longer obvious, all because one man turned Madison Square Garden upside down. But who should White go for? Well, he may ask Kamaru Usman that question, as the fighter perfectly predicted the win for Prates despite Leon Edwards walking in as the favorite for all.

Kamaru Usman perfectly predicted the upset at MSG

If Dana White is looking for answers, Kamaru Usman may be the first person he contacts, since the former champion saw this coming long before Carlos Prates touched Leon Edwards‘ chin at UFC 322. While many expected Edwards’ experience to help him, Usman pointed out beforehand that this fight was not going to be easy.

Yes, ‘Rocky’ wasn’t up against another pressure wrestler, but ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ emphasized that Prates brought a new type of threat that might swiftly turn the fight. Kamaru Usman put it simply: Edwards handles technical striking well, but ‘The Nightmare’ is not that type of opponent. He described him as a “different type of striker,” one that throws elbows, knees, and fights with unwavering confidence.

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ also mentioned that Carlos Prates has looked sharper since the Garry loss, particularly with his knockout of Geoff Neal, and that the matchup suited the Brazilian’s approach. By the time he finished explaining it, it sounded more like a warning than a prediction, and it aged like fine wine.

‘Rocky’ had a smoother start, but ‘The Nightmare’ had the moment-changing power, just as Usman predicted. In retrospect, the upset was not as shocking as it felt live. Usman had already figured out why this may happen. But the title conundrum continues.

Usman himself is sitting out waiting for a title shot. Next week at UFC Qatar, Garry takes on Belal Muhammad in a fight that will have the winner clamoring for a shot at Islam Makhachev’s newly minted welterweight title. Where do you see the chips falling at 170 lbs by the end of this year?