Carlos Prates, the UFC star who faces criticism for his habit and still dreams of the title

Firing through a pack of cigarettes a day seems unimaginable for an elite athlete, yet that is the reality for Carlos Prates, one of the brightest prospects in MMA. The Brazilian, part of the UFC’s fashionable Fighting Nerds team, makes no secret of being a smoker – a habit that has drawn heavy criticism.

Last Saturday, he returned to winning ways with a spectacular spinning elbow knockout of Geoff Neal at UFC 319.

Prates is one of the UFC’s rising stars. He debuted in the promotion in February last year and quickly racked up wins until he ran into Ian Garry. The Briton beat him by unanimous decision in his first main event, but Prates came back in style. In the first round, the Brazilian floored Neal with a spinning elbow, earning himself a $50,000 performance bonus.

What has truly shocked people – and likely made him even more famous – is that he openly embraces his smoking habit. “If I go to a party, I’ll smoke two or three packs. On a normal day, maybe 10 to 15 cigarettes,” he admitted in an interview with Full Violence. That kind of statement is unusual for someone ranked No. 12 in the world at welterweight. Nor does he hide it. In fact, at the press conference after his latest win, he lit up in front of everyone.

“It’s hard to smoke less. I get too emotional and I want to eat. I can’t eat pizza all day, so I’d rather smoke than have problems cutting weight,” he told American journalist Ariel Helwani. Prates also only cuts nine pounds to make weight – far less than most fighters, who typically shed between 20 and 30 pounds in grueling camps. For him, the process is more relaxed, and he has no intention of changing it.

Fighting for the belt

BBefore his loss to Garry, Prates had strung together four straight wins, all in the first or second round. His victory this past weekend has put him right back on the verge of a title shot.

“A lot of people said Carlos was done because he smokes and parties, that I’d never be champion. I’ve proven I will be champion living my best life,” he declared in the octagon. He then called out former champion Leon Edwards for UFC Rio de Janeiro on October 11.

Michael Page, who fought just before him on the card, also asked to face Prates next. The Briton, already a star outside the UFC, wants to climb further up the rankings. “The first option, of course, is Leon. I’m here to fight the best in the world and prove I’m the best, so whoever steps into the cage, I’ll be there.

It would be an interesting fight (with Page). He inspired me for a long time, so if the UFC gives me that, I’m fine with it. Let’s fight,” Prates told reporters inside the arena. The path toward the belt is opening up.

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