Carlos Prates returns to training, shares mysterious social media post

Carlos Prates is back in training camp after a six-week victory lap following his technical knockout of Jack Della Maddalena. The Fighting Nerds standout took to Instagram on Sunday with an ambitious message, posting training footage alongside the caption: "Time to start writing the chapters of the next season, which will be called: 'UFC Champion.'"

Prates has now stopped two former champions—Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards—and believes he has earned a shot at the welterweight title. With Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry confirmed to headline UFC 330, that contest will determine the next No. 1 contender in the division. Prates has made clear his intention to face the winner, though he recently told Sherdog.com that a matchup with undefeated contender Michael Morales would also make sense if the UFC chooses a different path. Morales holds a 19-0 record and recently knocked out Sean Brady in dominant fashion.

Prates' return to active training signals that a welterweight title contention bout could be announced soon. The Brazilian remains one of the division's most dangerous knockout threats, and his callout of the Makhachev-Garry winner positions him as a legitimate obstacle for whoever emerges victorious in Philadelphia.