Carlos Prates delivered a breathtaking performance at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, with a stunning knockout of Geoff Neal that instantly became one of the year’s most memorable moments in mixed martial arts. Securing victory with a spinning back elbow just seconds before the end of the first round, Prates illustrated exactly what sets him apart in the fiercely competitive welterweight division.
From the opening bell, the fight was an intense display of skill and aggression from both fighters. Neal started aggressively, employing a flurry of leg kicks and boxing combinations aimed at disrupting Prates' rhythm. However, the Brazilian fighter demonstrated superior versatility and composure, countering with sharp body shots and slick footwork that gradually wore down Neal. Midway through the round, Prates found his timing and began to confidently unleash a diverse striking arsenal, including his signature knees and crisp punches that kept Neal on the defensive.
What truly defined the fight was Prates' finishing sequence. With just one second remaining in round one, Prates executed a spinning back elbow that landed perfectly on Neal’s forehead. The impact was so devastating that Neal collapsed unconscious to the canvas, marking one of the rarest and most spectacular knockouts in UFC history. This ninth spinning-back-elbow knockout in UFC history was not just a display of sheer power but also an example of precision and timing honed by countless hours of training.
Prates, who had rebounded from a loss to Ian Machado Garry earlier this year, now boasts an impressive streak, having stopped five opponents inside the UFC cage in 2024 alone an impressive record highlighting his dangerous finishing ability. Following his victory, Prates wasted no time calling out UFC President Dana White from the Octagon, requesting a $50,000 bonus for the performance and expressing his eagerness to headline UFC’s upcoming event in Rio de Janeiro. White responded enthusiastically, granting both the bonus and a high-profile fight slot.
“This is what I love to do,” Prates said. “I’m feeling amazing. Tomorrow is my birthday, so what better gift than this knockout? I want to keep climbing, and I’m ready to face the best in the world. Leon Edwards, let’s go.”
His knockout not only exhilarated fans but also reinforced his reputation as one of the UFC’s most dangerous finishers. Analysts praised Prates for his diverse skill set and ability to seamlessly blend power with technique. Former UFC commentator Joe Rogan described the spinning elbow as “horrific, perfectly executed, and one of the most impressive finishes we’ve seen in a long time.”
Neal, on his part, showed respect for his opponent’s performance acknowledging Prates’ timing, “That spinning elbow was perfect. He caught me cold. I’ll be back stronger.”
This victory repositions Carlos Prates firmly in the welterweight title conversation and elevates his status among the division’s elite. His ability to absorb early pressure, capitalize on openings with devastating precision, and finish fights in spectacular fashion is a testament to his evolving game and mental toughness.
With his eye on big fights ahead, Prates has delivered a reminder to all contenders: he is a force to be reckoned with inside the Octagon, capable of ending bouts with a single punch. His knockout of Geoff Neal is now etched into UFC lore and signals that the Brazilian fighter’s rise has only just begun.
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