Carlos Prates has exploded onto the UFC scene with knockout power and unshakable composure. Nicknamed ‘The Nightmare,’ the 31-year-old has made a statement with every step, flattening Mitch Ramirez in his debut and following up with brutal wins over Trevin Giles, Charles Radtke, Li Jingliang, and Neil Magny. But while fans know his hands are dangerous, there’s far more to the Brazilian striker than just fight-night fury.
What lies behind his discipline and calm demeanor? Is it rooted in faith, culture, or something deeper? As his star continues to rise, many are now asking—not just where Carlos Prates is from, but what he truly believes in.
What is Carlos Prates’ ethnicity & nationality?
Carlos Prates, born in Brazil, is one of the few UFC fighters who has mastered the art of eight limbs. He began honing his skills at the renowned Vale Top Team gym during his teenage years. Even now, ‘The Nightmare’ still visits his gym whenever he’s in Sao Paulo. After being introduced to Muay Thai, Prates made his MMA debut four years later. He regularly switched between kickboxing and MMA, but after suffering four losses in MMA, he decided to move to Thailand, the home of Muay Thai.
There, he lived for six years, and during an interview, Carlos Prates recalled his experience of fighting Muay Thai. The fighter revealed how it was different from other countries. He explained that in Thailand, there are no sponsors; fighters need to compete regularly to earn money for basic necessities.
Prates mentioned that he had 103 fights in total during his time in Thailand. He also shared, “There was a year I did 25 fights in Asia, four a month in three different countries. It was cool, visiting new places and new people, new cultures.”
That global exposure—blending Brazilian roots with Asian traditions—turned him into the versatile fighter UFC fans see today. But his physical journey is only part of the story.
Details about Carlos Prates’ religion
While Carlos Prates’ fighting style may be aggressive, his beliefs are layered, spiritual, and deeply personal.
Fans once speculated that a particular tattoo on his body symbolized something sinister. But a popular YouTuber, ‘Rigo’, helped clear the air when Prates himself reached out with a correction. The tattoo, he explained, represents Ogun—a powerful deity—not in a demonic context, but through Umbanda, a misunderstood Afro-Brazilian religion.
So, what is Umbanda?
Umbanda is a syncretic religion born from struggle, shaped by hope. It blends West African traditions with Indigenous Brazilian beliefs and Catholicism. When enslaved Africans were stripped of their freedom, they weren’t stripped of their faith. They hid their gods behind the faces of saints, whispering their prayers beneath the roar of colonization.
Umbanda honors Olorun, the supreme creator, and orixás—divine spirits who guide and protect. Some of these spirits, like Oxala and Yemanja, reflect both African origins and Catholic symbolism. In Umbanda, faith is not just worship. It’s resistance. It’s survival.
Though Prates hasn’t publicly elaborated on his daily practice, the choice of tattoo—and his decision to clarify its meaning—suggests pride in his roots and his spiritual path.
In conclusion, Carlos Prates’ UFC rise has been electric, but his story runs deeper than fight stats. Born in Brazil, forged in Thailand, and spiritually connected to Umbanda, ‘The Nightmare’ carries this unique identity into every bout.
Now, at UFC on ESPN 66, he’ll be taking on another rising star in the welterweight division, Ian Garry. Will Prates deliver yet another highlight-reel finish this time around? Or will ‘The Future’ derail the Brazilian’s plans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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