Morning Report | Daniel Cormier says ‘nobody would complain’ if Carlos Prates got next title shot

Key Points:

• Carlos Prates delivered a dominant third-round stoppage win over former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth, impressing Daniel Cormier and positioning himself as a top contender at 170 pounds.
• Prates has defeated multiple former champions and earned several Performance bonuses since joining the UFC in 2024, showcasing significant growth after a setback loss to Ian Machado Garry.
• Daniel Cormier believes Prates is now championship-ready, highlighting his improved composure and ability to perform under the pressure of a main event spotlight.
• Despite Prates' rise, the welterweight division remains highly competitive with contenders like Ian Machado Garry expected to challenge champion Islam Makhachev next, though Prates remains a strong candidate for a future title shot.
• Given the stacked welterweight landscape, Prates will likely need another fight before a title opportunity, with a potential matchup against Michael Morales suggested as a beneficial next step.