Prates' Coach Predicts Second-Round Finish Of Morales

Carlos Prates' longtime coach believes Michael Morales will not survive past the second round when the two welterweights clash for the UFC interim title.

Cristian Nogueira told Sherdog that Prates had been training to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 336 on Jan. 30 in Toronto when the matchup changed. The Vale Top Team head coach said the switch caught the team off guard but requires only tactical adjustments, not a complete restart.

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Training Shift From Wrestling Defense To Boxing Movement

The preparation for Makhachev centered on takedown defense and scrambles. Against Morales, Prates is now working footwork drills with boxing coach Arthur Cesar, known as Ban Ban. "The main change will be in movement," Nogueira said, per Sherdog. "Against Morales, the focus shifts more toward the footwork developed by Ban Ban, our boxing coach."

Nogueira, who has trained Prates since the Brazilian was 11 years old, expects the finish to come midway through or near the end of Round 2. He said Morales tends to overcommit on his attacks, creating openings for Prates to counter. "Morales tends to leave himself very exposed because he goes all-in, and that works in Prates' favor," he said.

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The coach added that if Makhachev hoped to gather more tape on Prates by watching him go five rounds with Morales, the plan will backfire. "This fight won't make it to the third round," Nogueira said. Prates holds a 24-7 record and aims to become the first Brazilian champion at welterweight. Morales enters unbeaten at 19-0.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Carlos Prates' coach says Michael Morales won't make it to Round 3