Carlos Prates reveals ideal retirement age

Carlos Prates has revealed realistic expectations for the longevity of his fighting career, expressing a desire to retire by age 35 or 36. The Brazilian welterweight contender, who has compiled an impressive combat sports resume across amateur and professional competition, is increasingly conscious of the physical toll that fighting exacts over time.

Prates disclosed during an appearance on "The Ariel Helwani Show" that he carries nearly 140 bouts across his amateur and professional career combined. This extensive fight history has left cumulative damage on his body. He described experiencing significant mobility issues each morning, requiring approximately 20 minutes after waking before he can move normally. His feet, back, and neck have all sustained injuries that serve as daily reminders of his years in combat sports.

Despite these physical concerns, Prates remains pragmatic about his exit timeline. While his ideal window remains the mid-thirties, he acknowledged that a sufficiently lucrative fight purse could tempt him to extend his career beyond age 40. This reflects a common tension in MMA, where fighters must balance health concerns against financial security and career opportunities. For a welterweight contender actively pursuing a title shot, maximizing earnings while able to compete at the highest level remains a practical consideration. Prates' transparency about his condition and timeline provides insight into the physical realities facing veteran fighters approaching the latter stages of their careers.