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1xBet shares an exclusive look into the dual life of UFC standout Carlos Prates, exploring how his “Nightmare” persona in the cage balances with a strategic approach to global branding and the pursuit of a long-term sporting legacy.
Brazilian UFC fighter Carlos Prates is a man of two personas. In the cage, he is the “Nightmare”: four consecutive one-punch knockouts, an icy stare into the camera under a barrage of opponents’ attacks, and a reputation as one of the league’s most spectacular fighters. Outside the octagon, he’s a smiling, reflective man, thinking about legacy, family, and the next generation.
As the new 1xBet ambassador, Prates has expanded beyond his athletic career: this partnership is part of his conscious strategy to build a long-term personal brand. On the eve of his fight with Della Maddalena, he spoke about what goes on in a fighter’s mind during a knockout, the hidden side of the UFC life, and why he’ll be rooting for Brazil in 2026, in a completely different sporting universe.
Brazil and MMA legacy
Brazil is the country that gave the MMA world the legendary Gracie family, Anderson Silva, and José Aldo. Carrying the flag of this tradition is a burden Prates accepts with open eyes.
“Representing Brazil is the greatest honor of my career,” the fighter admits. “Those legends built the house we live in today, so carrying the flag in 2026 is about keeping that history alive. It’s a huge responsibility to follow in the footsteps of guys like Aldo and Anderson, but it’s what pushes me to train every single day.”
Interestingly, Prates came to the octagon not through BJJ, the Brazilian fighters’ traditional path, but through Muay Thai. His style is often compared to Anderson Silva at his peak: the same spider-like movements, the same composure under pressure. But Prates himself rejects the idea of deliberate copying:
“I don’t really try to copy anyone, but being compared to Anderson Silva is a huge compliment. My style comes from years of living and breathing Muay Thai. I think that composure and movement is just a result of being comfortable in the fire. It’s natural instinct, but it’s also a lot of hard work to make it look that good.”
Fighting style and instincts in the Octagon
Prates’s four consecutive one-punch knockouts are beyond words! But what’s going on in that split second when his hand reaches the target? Calculation or something else?
“When I’m in there, it’s a mix of both,” says Prates. “You calculate the distance and the timing, but the finish itself is pure instinct. You don’t have time to think; you just feel the opening and take it. It’s like everything slows down for a second, and you just know it’s over.”
This moment of slowed time, what is known as a flow state, became Prates’ signature after his fight with former UFC champion Leon Edwards. That clip of Carlos staring into the camera with complete calm after a flurry of punches went viral, making him a media sensation.
“During that moment in the Leon Edwards fight, I was just focused. I knew I was in the zone. Seeing the clips go viral is cool because it shows the fans my personality, but at that moment, I was just enjoying the fight. I’m glad people liked it,” Prates admitted.
His attitude toward the controversy surrounding Charles Oliveira’s fight with Max Holloway for the BMF belt is also telling. The Brazilian dominated through wrestling rather than spectacular stand-up combat, sparking debate. Prates takes a clear stance:
“Charles is a legend and a BMF in every sense. To me, being a ‘Bad MF’er’ means doing whatever it takes to win. Brazilian cool is about heart and efficiency. Whether it’s a knockout or a dominant ground performance, if you walk out with the win, you’ve represented the culture right.”
Hidden side of career, media exposure, and double life of “Nightmare”
“People see the lights and the knockouts, but they don’t see the weight cuts, the long months away from family, and the injuries you have to endure,” says Carlos. “The most challenging part is the discipline it takes to stay on top when no one is watching. There’s a lot of dedication going on behind the cameras.”
Meanwhile, his team continues to work on aspects that the public has not yet seen: “We’re always evolving,” admits the fighter. “People know me for the striking, but my team and I are working on every part of the game. The ‘secret trump card’ is simply being a complete martial artist. If the fight goes to the ground, I’m ready, I’m a BJJ black belt. I’m effective wherever the fight takes place, and I’ll prove that when the time comes.”
The modern UFC demands that a fighter be not only a strong athlete but also a media personality. Prates, whose videos garner millions of views, manages this balance without any apparent inner conflict:
“Being the ‘Nightmare’ is what I do for work, and being myself is what I do for life. I can be a smiling guy on camera because I’m happy with where I am, but once that cage door closes, the switch flips. It’s two sides of the same coin.”
Partnership with 1xBet and approach to risk
The 1xBet brand is built on a philosophy of constant growth and risk, values that align seamlessly with a professional fighter’s DNA. Prates admits that risk is not an exception for him, but a way of thinking.
“I’m definitely a risk-taker. You can’t be a high-level fighter without embracing risk. Every time I step into the octagon, I’m putting it all on the line. Outside the cage, I’m the same way—I go all in on my goals and my passions,” the Brazilian fighter concluded.
The partnership with 1xBet is part of a broader strategy for managing his career and personal brand. Observing the fates of his Brazilian predecessors, who did not always manage their sporting fame wisely, Prates is making a conscious choice in favor of long-term thinking:
“The biggest lesson is to stay grounded and have the right people around you. I’ve seen how fast things can change, so I focus on being smart with my career and my future. You have to fight for your legacy, but you also have to protect what you earn for your family.”
Prates and Global Football Game 2026
Brazil isn’t just about MMA. It’s first and foremost about football, and in this sense, Prates is a true son of his country. For him, the Global Football Game 2026 is an event that goes beyond sport:
“In Brazil, football is everything. I have high expectations for the national team. We have the talent and the heart to bring that trophy home, and I’ll be cheering for them just like everyone else back home.”
UFC Championship, discipline, and self-belief
“If things go the way I expect against Della Maddalena in May, a title shot is the only thing that makes sense. Another big KO would speak for itself. We’re ready for it,” Prates says boldly of his UFC championship ambitions.
But before thinking about the belt, Carlos makes time for those who look up to him: Brazilian kids from favelas and wealthy neighborhoods who dream of the same path.
“I want to tell them to never stop believing in themselves. The path isn’t easy, whether you’re from the favela or anywhere else, but with discipline and a strong mind, you can reach the top of the world. Stay focused, stay humble, and keep fighting for your dreams.”
Carlos Prates is the embodiment of what it means to build a career systematically: with a team, with partners, with an understanding of the importance of behind-the-scenes work. His alliance with 1xBet exemplifies a new type of partnership, in which the brand and athlete share common values: passion, a willingness to take risks, and a commitment to long-term results.
For those who are already earning or planning to work in the 1xBet affiliate ecosystem through the effective 1xPartners program, this partnership demonstrates how well-structured collaborations can generate real audience recognition, scalability, and reputational capital.