Carlos Prates

Picked against, with the analyst expecting the opponent to force boxing range more often than he'd like in a genuinely close, competitive fight.

A dangerous striker with a Muay Thai foundation -- real one-shot power, long accurate straight punches, and kicks that touch every level, typically the front kick downstairs and the roundhouse upstairs or to the legs. He's a sharp shot-picker, highly accurate, and owns a spinning elbow that's already produced finishes. He carries his hands low, mainly to protect against takedowns and to let his punches come from unusual angles -- it rarely burns him, but it's a genuine liability specifically when exchanges get close. His main takedown defense is simply his range, which has generally held up, and the grappling side of this matchup isn't expected to be much of a factor. Historically he's shown a tendency to sit back and wait too long for his moment, though that habit has faded noticeably in more recent fights.