Conor McGregor put on notice as UFC contender claims, "I would knock him out"

A rising force in the welterweight division has issued a stern warning to MMA superstar Conor McGregor. Brazilian contender Carlos Prates did not hold back when addressing rumors of a potential showdown, making it clear that a comeback fight against him would be a dangerous gamble for the former two-division champion.

Prates questions Conor McGregor’s comeback logic

Currently ranked No. 5 in the welterweight division with a 6–1 UFC record, Prates has been linked to McGregor amid social media chatter about a possible fight on the June 14 UFC White House card. However, “The Nightmare” revealed he has not received any official communication from the Ultimate Fighting Championship regarding such a matchup.

While open to big opportunities, Prates questioned the logic of pairing him with McGregor, who has not competed since 2021.

“Conor McGregor, to be honest, I think the fight is hard to make happen because Conor McGregor has been out for five years," Carlos Prates said. "He’s been retired from MMA, and after five years away, he would not beg to fight against the most entertaining welterweight in the world. Nothing against him, but everybody knows, and I know he knows, that I would hurt him bad. I would knock him out. So I don’t think it’s the right way to make a comeback for a huge superstar like him."

Momentum on Prates’ side

Prates’ confidence stems from his recent surge inside the Octagon. The Brazilian is coming off a stunning knockout victory over former welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 322 in November — a win that significantly elevated his standing in the title race.

Instead of chasing spectacle alone, Prates has also mentioned former 170-pound champion Jack Della Maddalena as a potential opponent, signaling his intent to prioritize a path toward championship gold.

McGregor’s long road back

Conor McGregor, meanwhile, has remained inactive since suffering a severe leg injury during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. The Irishman’s prolonged absence has fueled debate over how he should approach a return — and against whom.

If Carlos Prates has his way, a clash between them would not be a warm welcome back, but rather a harsh reminder of how unforgiving the welterweight division has become.