CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, May 28, 2103 – This Friday night one of Texas’ most accomplished MMA veterans returns to competition in-state at Legacy Fighting Championship 20 LIVE in Corpus Christi and broadcast nationwide on AXS TV.
Beginning his MMA career way back in 2002, Brazilian-American Carlo Prater spent the early part of his career competing in the Southwest under the tutelage of Houston-based trained Saul Soliz. Since that time Carlo has gone quite a ways career-wise, first making it to the WEC, Strikeforce, and Legacy FC before ultimately making it into the UFC back in 2012 – fighting in the octagon 4 times and going 2-2 in the organization before his exit.
Now 31-13-1 overall, he’s be looking to make the climb back up the ladder and show the best is yet to come against yet another tough career test against another upcoming fighter and fellow Brazilian in Carlos Diego Ferreira.
We caught up with “Neo” recently to get his thoughts on this Friday night’s Legacy Fighting Championship 20 main event.
Legacy FC 20 Interview – Carlo Prater
Carlo, first of all how does it feel to be fighting in Texas again this Friday?
It’s a great feeling because I have so many friends and family that can see me perform once again. I love the thrill of performing in front of my longtime supporters.
Obviously a lot of the longtime supporters of the sport especially here in Texas know of you. Mind telling a bit of your story for some of the newer fans that are less inundated?
Well, where do I begin? I’ve been in the game for over a decade now. I started wrestling in the 6th grade back in in Edmond, Oklahoma then went to Judo and BJJ, then took a Shootfight that year in 1997 in Amarillo. I quickly realized I had no idea what I was doing. My dad moved us back to Brasilia in 1998 so I continued my BJJ training there then started Boxing and Full-Contact Kickboxing, and then had my intro to Luta Livre in 1999. I graduated high school then went to Thailand in 2000, then back there again in 2001. I moved to SE Texas in 2002 and immediately started training with Yves Edwards, then eventually Saul Soliz, and started fighting Pro that year back when it was still open-handed rules to the face in Texas. It’s been a long, fun ride, but I am just now starting to realize what I can do, now, at 31.
How has training been and what’s your mindset like heading into this fight?
The same as it’s always been. I am a winner, a champion and believe I have always been. I associate with high level people in what I do and take this very seriously. Training has been great. I live in Brasilia-DF, Brazil and train with everybody in town that I can. When I am in Houston, I let Saul Soliz steer my boat and coach me in all aspects of MMA over at Metro Fight Club.
What’s life like living in Brasilia?
I am a family man and focus on them more than anything. I like the outdoors and nature other than the gym. I love my dogs and cats and monkeys and try to escape to a waterfall near my house whenever I can.
Let’s talk about your upcoming fight. What do you think of your opponent, Carlos Diego Ferreira?
He’s another talented Brazilian. He seems to be a very game and respectable opponent. I look forward to fighting him.
How would you say you guys match up and how do you predict this fight will go?
I would say we match up really well on paper. I definitely have more experience than him in MMA. When we get in there is where we will test wills and skills. I see myself winning, obviously. But I would never predict any outcome other than a spectacular show. That is all I can promise.
Any pre-fight message for Carlos Diego, if we asked you to give him one?
Boa luta guerreiro. Não é pessoal, mas não é a sua vez. Successo no futuro.
What’s next for you after this fight Carlo? Any plans?
I’m going to take a trip up to Oklahoma to see my longtime friends and some relatives. Then I’ll come back to Texas, hang out with my family and friends for a bit and then take back off home to be with my wife and boy.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Any last words before the fight?
Thanks to all of my fans and supporters, friends and family. I am motivated to make you all very happy on the 31st. A big thank you to my coach Saul Soliz and all the Ninjas at Metro Fight Club. Lou Savarese and the guys at Main Street Boxing. American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. My guys at Cerrado MMA, Distrito da Luta, RFT and 2 Brothers in Brasilia. The Smith family in Brenham over at Ammo To Go, everyone at DOM Fight Gear and House of Pain, and also my manager Jason Chambers at Apex Sports Agency. As well as Mick Maynard and Legacy FC for once again giving me the opportunity to headline a major card.
Follow me @TheOneMMA and check out www.carloprater.net