Carlos Prates and Leon Edwards. Image via: MMA Fighting Carlos Prates walked into UFC 322 with confidence, but he left Madison Square Garden with a career-changing knockout over former welterweight champion Leon Edwards. The Brazilian striker delivered the kind of finish that shifts the balance of a division, handing Edwards the first knockout loss of his career and extending the former champion’s skid to three straight defeats. The moment landed with force, both in the cage and in the wider title picture, as Prates reminded everyone that his power travels into deep waters.The matchup began with Edwards using a smart but conservative approach, leaning on grappling and positioning to slow Prates’ pace. It worked for the first round, but it came at the cost of his own momentum. When Round 2 began, Prates made a sharp adjustment, reclaimed center control, and then uncorked the perfect straight left hand. Edwards dropped instantly, and the referee stepped in at 1:28 of the round, preventing further damage. For Prates, it was another thunderous addition to a highlight reel that keeps growing.
Carlos Prates delivers the explosive finish that defined UFC 322
The knockout marked the first time anyone had stopped Leon Edwards with strikes. Carlos Prates set it up with steady pressure, attacking the legs early and engaging in small exchanges that forced Edwards to open up. Once he drew Edwards into striking range, the shot came clean down the center.The Brazilian had promised violence all week, and his postfight interview captured the mindset that powered the performance. “I think I’m the most entertaining guy in the welterweight division,” Prates said. “I trained so much for a fight against that guy. Leon Edwards is a f*cking legend. Maybe in one hour I’ll come back in here for a faceoff with the champ.”Edwards had his moments early, especially with back control late in the first round, but he failed to turn that position into real danger. Prates brushed off the grappling sequences, reset, and pushed the fight back into his preferred rhythm.
Leon Edwards faces a steep decline as Prates eyes UFC gold
The loss continues a worrying trend for Edwards, who has now fallen to Belal Muhammad, Sean Brady, and Prates in consecutive fights. The former champion looked tentative and unable to channel the sharp timing that once defined his run at the top. At 34, the questions surrounding his next step have intensified.Prates, meanwhile, has stacked back-to-back knockouts since his setback against Ian Machado Garry. With six KO wins since early 2024, he has become one of the division’s most dangerous finishers. Also Read: Cedric Irving Jr. pictured after being accused of killing Netflix star coach John Beam as shocked brother reacts
