El-Balad provides live coverage of the highly anticipated welterweight bout between Leon Edwards and Carlos Prates at UFC 322, held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This clash carries significant implications for both fighters’ careers.
Fight Overview: Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates at UFC 322
Leon Edwards, sporting a record of 22 wins, 5 losses, and 1 no contest, currently finds himself in the midst of a challenging phase. After losing the welterweight title to Belal Muhammad in July, Edwards faced a further setback by being defeated for the first time in his career by Sean Brady. He remains ranked No. 5 in the welterweight division and desperately needs a victory against Prates to maintain his standing.
On the other hand, Carlos Prates enters this matchup with a 22-7 record. He currently holds the No. 10 rank in the welterweight class. Prates suffered a defeat earlier in the UFC against Ian Machado Garry, but he rebounded strongly, achieving a first-round knockout victory over Geoff Neal at UFC 319. Prates is known for his striking power, boasting 17 knockouts, including five in the UFC.
Match Dynamics and Stakes
- Edwards aims to avoid a third consecutive loss and preserve his title shot ambitions.
- Prates seeks to secure his first championship opportunity with a win.
- Betting odds favor Prates at -154, while Edwards is the underdog at +130.
The referee for the bout is Keith Peterson, setting the stage for an exciting matchup. As the fight began, both athletes displayed strategic footwork and feints, with Prates frequently utilizing leg kicks. Edwards displayed resilience and an aggressive style as he attempted a double-leg takedown.
Fight Highlights
- Round 1: Edwards controlled the pace and secured a takedown, maintaining pressure on Prates.
- Round 2: A powerful left punch from Prates knocked Edwards down, leading to a decisive victory.
- Official Result: Carlos Prates defeats Leon Edwards via KO (punch) – Round 2, at 1:28.
With this victory, Prates not only claims a significant win but also becomes the first fighter to finish Edwards with strikes. After the match, Prates expressed his view on being the most entertaining fighter in the welterweight division and highlighted the need for dynamic matchups. He even hinted at a potential face-off with the main event winner later in the evening.
This UFC 322 encounter has reshaped the landscape of the welterweight division and escalated interest in subsequent matchups for both fighters.
