TLDR
- Former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards faces No. 9 contender Carlos Prates at UFC 322 on November 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York
- Edwards enters as the underdog at +170 odds after losing his last two fights to Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady
- Prates is the -210 favorite coming off a first-round knockout victory over Geoff Neal in August 2025
- Edwards holds advantages in wrestling and technical striking, while Prates brings superior power and a four-inch reach advantage
- The matchup represents a critical moment for Edwards’ career as he tries to regain championship contention
Former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards returns to the octagon on November 15 when he faces rising contender Carlos Prates in the main card of UFC 322. The event takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Edwards enters the fight as the betting underdog at +170 odds. This marks a dramatic shift for the fighter who once held the welterweight title and ranked among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
The 34-year-old British fighter has lost his last two bouts. He dropped the welterweight championship to Belal Muhammad and then suffered a defeat against Sean Brady.
Prates comes into the matchup as the -210 betting favorite. The 32-year-old Brazilian has built a reputation as a knockout specialist since joining the UFC.
¡CARLOS PRATES 🇧🇷 FIGHT WEEK!#UFC322 pic.twitter.com/3CJHmro142
— Infinity MMA (@Infinity_MMA) November 13, 2025
The No. 9-ranked contender recorded a first-round stoppage of Geoff Neal in August. This victory helped him bounce back from his only UFC loss, a unanimous decision defeat to Ian Machado Garry in April.
Edwards brings a record of 22-5 with one no contest. He stands 6-foot-2 with a 74-inch reach and fights from a southpaw stance.
Prates holds a record of 22-7. He measures 6-foot-1 with a 78-inch reach advantage at 78 inches and can switch stances during fights.
Edwards’ Path to Victory
The former champion excels at distance striking with crisp boxing combinations and clean counters. He uses linear kicks and elbow strikes to interrupt his opponent’s offense.
Edwards made history as the first fighter to take down Kamaru Usman. He outwrestled Usman in their second and third fights, showcasing his grappling abilities.
The British fighter’s best strategy involves mixing strikes with takedown attempts. He can secure back control and lock in a body triangle, a technique he used successfully against Albert Tumenov in 2016.
Edwards must maintain discipline and control the range with low kicks, feints and sharp jabs. His calm efficiency and fight IQ remain his strongest assets.
I feel like people forget that Leon Edwards holds the record for the 4th fastest finish in UFC History 👀 8 seconds was all it took 🔥 this was also the quickest welterweight knockout until Masvidal threw that flying knee 😭😂 pic.twitter.com/Ma3kUnxdF4
— RedWolf🐺 (@RedWolfMMA) November 13, 2025
Prates’ Knockout Power
The Brazilian striker has delivered five finishes in six UFC fights. His victims include Trevin Giles, Charles Radtke, Li Jianliang, Neil Magny and Geoff Neal.
Prates brings legitimate one-punch knockout power in both hands. He also possesses dangerous knees and elbows that have ended multiple fights in the first round.
The contender thrives in chaotic exchanges where Edwards typically struggles. His compact left cross and right hook combinations grow more dangerous as fights progress.
Prates must cut off the cage methodically to create pocket exchanges. He needs to use his jab to track Edwards and block exits with round kicks.
The Brazilian’s Muay Thai and kickboxing background allows him to flow with opponents. His signature knee strike to the body could prove decisive if he can press Edwards backward.
Critical Career Moment
Edwards captured the welterweight title with a fifth-round knockout of Usman in August 2022. He defended the belt twice before his recent losing streak began.
A victory at UFC 322 would restore his momentum in the division. It could set up a number one contender fight in early 2026.
Edwards received his UFC contract in 2014 after winning an MMA national championship in England. He rebounded from a split decision loss in his debut to win 11 of his next 13 fights.
Prates earned his UFC roster spot through Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2023. He stopped Mitch Ramirez in the second round to secure his contract.
