Conor McGregor Turned Down Carlos Prates Fight: Claims & UFC Comeback Update
The anticipated return of Conor McGregor to the UFC is facing further uncertainty, with welterweight contender Carlos Prates claiming “The Notorious” was offered a fight against him but ultimately declined. The revelation adds another layer of complexity to McGregor’s comeback plans, which have been swirling with speculation for months.
Prates, currently ranked among the top contenders in the UFC’s welterweight division, disclosed the offer in an interview with Laerte Viana MMA, as reported by multiple outlets. According to Prates, the UFC presented his name as a potential opponent for McGregor, who has been hinting at a return since late 2025. However, McGregor reportedly “chickened out and ran away” from the matchup.
“Nothing came to me from the UFC, but I believe they did offer my name to Conor McGregor, though,” Prates stated. “Yes (my name was offered to McGregor) and then he chickened out and ran away… Because I’m a tough matchup, man. The guy’s been inactive for five years, and it’s not even in his weight class.”
Prates’ assessment centers on McGregor’s prolonged absence from the sport and the weight class disparity. While McGregor has competed at 170 pounds in the past, Prates argues that he is not a natural welterweight. Prates, riding a two-fight win streak with knockout victories over Geoff Neal and former champion Leon Edwards at , believes he poses a significant threat to the Irish superstar.
“Even though his last fights were at 170lbs, he’s not a natural 170-pounder. I’m coming in with all the hype, knocking everyone out. So I believe that if I were in his position, I wouldn’t accept that fight either, no way,” Prates explained. He added that he believes McGregor is seeking a less challenging opponent, potentially a former champion.
The situation unfolds against a backdrop of shifting plans for McGregor’s return. Initially, he targeted the UFC White House event in June, but recent reports indicate that timeline has been pushed back to July’s International Fight Week. McGregor himself had previously suggested he had accepted a fight against a “no-name” welterweight, fueling speculation that Prates was the intended opponent.
The Brazilian’s claims align with earlier reports that McGregor’s return has been delayed. MMA Mania reported on that the UFC White House card is no longer a likely venue for McGregor’s comeback. The reasons for the delay remain officially undisclosed, but Prates’ account offers a potential explanation.
Prates’ recent performances have undoubtedly elevated his profile within the UFC. His knockout victories, both earning him “Performance of the Night” bonuses, have positioned him as a legitimate contender for a title shot. He has publicly stated his desire for a title opportunity, naming both JDM (presumably a reference to a fellow contender) and McGregor as potential stepping stones.
While Prates appears willing to face McGregor, he doesn’t necessarily view the fight as strategically beneficial. He believes a matchup against a top-ranked welterweight would better serve his championship aspirations. However, the financial and promotional appeal of a fight against McGregor is undeniable, and the possibility of a significant payday likely factored into the UFC’s offer.
As McGregor’s return continues to be delayed, the question of his next opponent remains unanswered. Speculation has centered on a potential trilogy fight with Nate Diaz, who has hinted at a possible return to the UFC. However, with Prates now claiming McGregor bypassed a fight with him, the path forward for “The Notorious” remains unclear. The welterweight division, meanwhile, awaits clarity on whether McGregor will indeed venture into their territory, or seek a more familiar opponent elsewhere.
The situation highlights the complexities of matchmaking in the modern UFC, where star power and financial incentives often collide with competitive realities. Prates’ willingness to challenge McGregor, coupled with his assessment of the matchup, adds another intriguing dimension to the ongoing saga of the former two-division champion’s comeback.