Brazilian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Carlos Prates believes India has immense potential to emerge as a force in the sport, thanks to its population of over a billion people.
Prates, 33, currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC welterweight division (71kg-77kg), boasts a 24-7 win-loss record and feels India could produce top fighters if the sport gains popularity and attracts greater investment.
&ldquo;Maybe in a few years, the sport needs to grow a little bit here in India. You guys have more than one billion people, so you probably have a lot of good talent. If the sport grows, the organisations will start investing, and then you guys will have really good fighters,&rdquo; Prates told mid-day during a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports Network on Saturday.
Asked what advice he would give aspiring fighters, Prates emphasised the importance of discipline and hard work.
&ldquo;Keep your focus and train hard. That&rsquo;s the main key. Train hard every day and go to the gym every day. If you train the right way and work hard, it&rsquo;s still difficult to become a fighter. Now imagine if you don&rsquo;t train hard,&rdquo; said Prates, nicknamed &lsquo;The Nightmare&rsquo; for his impressive knockout record.
Prates also revealed that his dislike for conventional jobs and lack of interest in academics drew him towards MMA at a young age.
&ldquo;I wanted to be famous, be No. 1 in the world and things like that. The lifestyle is interesting&mdash;training, travelling around the world, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. I didn&rsquo;t like to work or study, so I needed to find a way to make money without studying. I wanted a job where I didn&rsquo;t have a boss or have to work eight hours a day, and that&rsquo;s how I started fighting,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;MMA is not my favourite sport, but it&rsquo;s the toughest sport in the world,&rdquo; added Prates, who revealed that football remains his favourite sport.
Prates will face Ecuador&rsquo;s Michael Morales for the Interim Welterweight Championship on January 30, 2027.
24 No. of UFC wins for Carlos Prates in 31 welterweight matches

Asked what advice he would give aspiring fighters, Prates emphasised the importance of discipline and hard work.

UFC superstar Carlos Prates backs India’s MMA potential

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UFC superstar Carlos Prates backs India’s MMA potential

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