Carlos Prates has a unique pre-fight ritual that sets him apart from his peers. Prates, who recently delivered a stunning victory against Charlie Radtke with a powerful knee to the body during UFC on ESPN 57, has openly shared his long-standing habit of smoking cigarettes. This peculiar ritual, both before and after fights, has been a consistent part of his routine, even as he continues to dominate in the octagon.
Prates, a Brazilian, first developed his smoking habit at a young age. During a candid conversation on the “Show Me the Money” podcast, he revealed that he began smoking around the age of 12 or 13. Growing up, Prates often found himself alone after school as his mother was the only immediate family member and worked long hours. The streets of Brazil, where he spent much of his time, offered many temptations to a young, unsupervised boy, and smoking quickly became one of them.
“I remember being on the street all day,” Prates recalled. “My mom went to work, and it was just the two of us. After school, I would spend the day outside with friends, and you know, here in Brazil, if you’re out on the street, you’re going to pick up some bad habits.”
The pandemic further influenced Prates’ smoking habits. With training sessions and fights put on hold, he turned to marijuana to cope with the stress and uncertainty. However, he soon noticed negative effects on his mental health and decided to revert exclusively to smoking cigarettes. This decision, though unconventional, has become a staple of his preparation and recovery process.
Despite his smoking habit, Prates’ performance in the UFC has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has finished 17 of his 19 career wins and is currently riding an impressive nine-fight winning streak, with eight of those victories coming by way of knockout or submission. His relentless drive and ability to finish fights have earned him recognition and respect within the MMA community.
Prates’ recent victory was particularly noteworthy, not just for the decisive manner in which he secured it, but also for the circumstances surrounding it. Moments after learning he had earned a “Performance of the Night” bonus, Prates was seen celebrating with a cigarette, underscoring the integral role smoking plays in his routine.
While his smoking habit is unusual for a professional athlete, Prates continues to defy expectations. His ability to balance this ritual with top-tier performance highlights his unique approach to the sport
