The former Undisputed UFC Welterweight Champion, Leon “Rocky” Edwards, is back to take on rising star No. 9 Carlos Prates at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Edwards is looking to snap his first two-fight losing streak of his career, while Prates is attempting to add the most accomplished fighter to his resume.
Check out my prediction for Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates at UFC 322
Leon Edwards Moneyline (+136)
From 2016 to 2023, “Rocky” was on a 13-fight unbeaten streak, including three title wins. Edwards beat former champion Kamaru Usman twice, former Interim champion Colby Covington, Rafael Dos Anjos, and Nate Diaz, among many others. But in the last two years, Edwards has suffered two consecutive losses against Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady.
Prates is coming off a terrific knockout against Geoff Neal at UFC 319 in August. After losing to Ian Machado Garry in April, Prates made a quick return and bounced back. Prates is 22-7 with 20 finishes and is 12-1 in his previous 13 contests. His last decision victory came in December 2019. Prates has produced many incredible knockouts, but hasn’t faced someone as decorated as former UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards.
Prates is a -162 favorite with the former champion being a +136 underdog on DraftKings Sportsbook.
It is a question of which version of Edwards we will see. But if the Edwards who dominated the Welterweight division in the past shows up, he has all the tools to slow down Prates’ elite striking and quick attack. Prates’ striking is very good, but if he is too aggressive, it could backfire against a high-level fighter like Edwards.
Edwards is a great defensive fighter, as he only absorbs 2.42 significant strikes per minute, which is 2.38 fewer than Prates. “Rocky” is at his best when he is confident, calm, and decisive on his feet, walking down his opponent and picking them apart. At 34 years old, the former champion has a great opportunity in front of him that can get him closer to regaining the title.
