1. Introduction
Carlos Augusto Monteiro Prates (b. August 17, 1993), better known as Carlos Prates or “The Nightmare”, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist with a striking persona—both inside and outside the Octagon. From his iconic back tattoo to his unconventional cigarette habit, and a formidable professional record, Prates has carved a unique identity in the UFC world. This article explores the depth behind his body art, personal choices, fighting achievements, and biographical background.
2. Tattooing Identity: The Back Masterpiece & More
2.1 The Back Tattoo: Faces of Fear
Carlos Prates turned heads with his colossal back tattoo before his UFC Vegas 100 bout—covering nearly his entire back with four clown portraits from DC’s Joker to Pennywise (from It), topped with the phrase “The Nightmare”. This bold piece echoes his fierce ring persona and intention to intimidate opponents.
2.2 More Ink, More Meaning
Beyond his back, Prates is extensively tattooed with meaningful ink:
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Neck: “Nothing can stop me”
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Head: “Predestinado” (Portuguese for predestined)
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Epiglottis area: A reference to Macumba, hinting at Afro-Brazilian spiritual culture
Chest and arms also tell a vivid story:
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Chest: “Muay Thai”, showcasing his devotion to the martial art that started it all
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Left arm sleeve: Skull, mysterious female figure, intricate flowers
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Right arm sleeve: Baby with angel wings and a halo, “one life no choice”, a deck of cards, and a Japanese Oni face
On his left shin, the word “danger”—painfully inked—symbolizes his lethal fighting attitude.EssentiallySports
2.3 Fan Reactions & Cultural Buzz
The intricate, menacing tattoos sparked online discussions. Some fans speculated bizarrely that in Brazil, clown tattoos could imply connections to violent crime—“Fun fact: in Brazil a clown tattoo means you killed a cop and got away with it.” Other fans criticized the artistry, calling it “AI art” or “a shitty airbrushed t-shirt. Clearly, his ink garners attention—both support and skepticism.
3. A Smoker Inside the Octagon: The Cigarette Habit
3.1 Smoking Through Fights
Contrary to common athletic discipline, Carlos Prates reportedly smokes about 10 cigarettes a day—even on fight days—a habit that likely puzzles fans and professionals alike. This juxtaposition of high-intensity combat performance and cigarette dependence paints a complex picture of personal resilience and contradiction.
4. Career Record: Prates’s MMA & UFC Journey
4.1 Professional MMA Record
Carlos Prates stands at 21 wins and 7 losses in his professional MMA career.
4.2 UFC Highlights & Ranked Performances
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Joined UFC from Dana White’s Contender Series (2023), via a knockout win that earned him a contract.Wikipedia
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UFC debut: February 10, 2024, TKO win over Trevin Giles at UFC Fight Night; earned Performance of the Night.
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Followed up with a KO via knee to the body vs. Charles Radtke—again, Performance of the Night.
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At UFC 305 (August 18, 2024), he knocked out Li Jingliang with a left hook—another KO and Performance of the Night.
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In a main event fight vs. Neil Magny (Nov 9, 2024), Prates outmatched Magny for a stunning first-round KO—yet another Performance of the Night.
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His first UFC loss came against Ian Machado Garry (April 26, 2025), via unanimous decision.
As of mid-2025, he stands among the top-tier welterweights—#12 in the UFC rankings as of July 15, 2025.
4.3 Accolades & Awards
Prates has swept several honors:
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UFC Performance of the Night: Four times
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2024 Newcomer of the Year (MMA Fighting, MMAjunkie, ESPN, Cageside Press)
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Rookie of the Year, First Team All-Star (MMA Fighting)
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Fan’s Choice Debut of the Year (UFC Honors)
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UFC.com honors: Newcomer of the Year, #3 Fighter of the Year, #9 Knockout of the Year (for KO vs. Li Jingliang)
5. Wiki-Style Snapshot: Essential Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carlos Augusto Monteiro Prates |
| Nickname | The Nightmare |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1993 (Age 31) |
| Place of Birth | Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Height & Reach | 6’1″ / 78″ |
| Background | Began in Muay Thai; moved to Thailand for training; black belt in BJJ |
| Fighting Style | Southpaw, Muay Thai foundation |
| MMA Debut | 2012 |
| Pro Record | 21–7 |
6. Conclusion: More Than Just a Fighter
Carlos Prates is not your average athlete. His artfully aggressive tattoos reveal a deeper narrative—horror-themed inspiration, cultural pride, spiritual hints, and personal mottos etched onto his skin. His smoking habit challenges the expectations of athletic health, while his killer record and string of accolades redefine the modern MMA darling.
