Imagine coming into the UFC with a group of top prospects lined up one after the other. And that too in different weight classes! The cherry on top would be that each of these prodigal fighters goes on to make a concussive mark in their respective divisions. That is exactly what happened when the ‘Fighting Nerds’ entered the spotlight. You know the drill by now! Destructive juggernauts that consist of Caio Barralho, Jean Silva, Mauricio Ruffy, and Carlos Prates. And one word that was always associated with the group was ‘undefeated’! But not anymore. The streak broke and now stands at 19-1 after Prates lost to Ian Garry in a slobber knocker at UFC Kansas this past weekend.

Heading into the Fight Night event, the Brazilian knockout artist was riding a wave of momentum. After finishing four opponents in a row since his UFC debut, he had quickly built a fearsome reputation for his powerful striking and ability to exploit the smallest openings. A fan favorite on the night, Prates seemed poised to continue his dominance. Moreover, the Irishman was viewed by many as a significant underdog. Though less celebrated heading into the bout, Garry brought with him more UFC experience and a chip on his shoulder.

When the dust settled, it was the underdog who emerged victorious. Despite an impressive resume that includes over a hundred fights in Thailand and an eleven-fight win streak stretching across multiple promotions, Prates couldn’t overcome the odds this time.

The defeat marked his first loss in six years, abruptly ending a remarkable run that had captured the attention of fans around the world. ‘The Nightmare’ opened up about the toll of the loss: “Six years without losing. I had forgotten how much it hurts—how it hurts the heart, the soul.”

Indeed, a proud member of the most dangerous faction in MMA right now, ‘The Fighting Nerds’, Prates must’ve held his win streak very close to his heart. We all have our passions, the things we love; those are the things we fight for, and with every strike and knockout. Prates not only represents his past struggles but also an individual who has thrived despite them.

So what’s next for ‘The Nightmare’? We all know how strong of an individual he is, and we also know that this loss does not mean he’s done. Maybe he’s only getting started!

What’s next for Carlos Prates? Will ‘The Nightmare’ terrorize the UFC again?

Carlos Prates is no ordinary force in the UFC welterweight division. Even in defeat against Ian Garry, those who backed Prates have no reason to regret their pick. The Brazilian entered the Octagon with undeniable talent and momentum, and the only clear advantage Garry held was his deeper experience at the highest level of the sport. Despite being younger, Garry had already faced elite competition, most notably his recent loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, which served as a benchmark for top-tier exposure.

Prates, meanwhile, carries the reputation of a legend—one built long before he ever set foot inside the UFC. Though no longer undefeated in the promotion, this loss is far from a derailment. It’s a valuable lesson. Rather than damage his stock, it highlights where growth is needed and shows just how close he is to breaking into the elite. In the final round, Prates had a golden opportunity to flip the script and secure a dramatic finish, but his inability to capitalize proved costly. Still, the potential he displayed speaks volumes.

Now ranked No. 13 in the division, Prates finds himself among some of the most respected names in the sport—Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, Geoff Neal, Colby Covington, and rising star Michael Morales. These are the types of opponents who could not only test him stylistically but also elevate his game. With time, smart matchmaking, and the hunger to improve, Prates is well-positioned to go from a fan-favorite prospect to a legitimate title contender.

This is not the end—it’s just the beginning of the next chapter for the Muay Thai master. What’s next for Carlos Prates? Let us know who you’d like to see him face next in the comments below.