UFC Perth doesn't have Carlos Prates feeling like 'enemy territory'
Carlos Prates is fighting on the road, but he's not letting it feel like it.
In normal circumstances, Jack Della Maddalena probably could've expected a big mental edge this week. In the UFC Fight Night 275 headliner in Perth, Western Australia, Maddalena (18-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) definitely will have his home fans backing him. And even though they'll likely let Carlos Prates (23-7 MMA, 6-1 UFC) know he's not at home, he might not actually feel that outnumbered.
Prates has plenty of connection with Australia. His daughter lives in Sydney with her mother, so he said he frequently visits. And this week, he brought his mother from Brazil to see her granddaughter, as well.
"To be honest, I don't feel like enemy territory," Prates said at Thursday's pre-fight news conference in Perth. "Australia is my second home. My daughter is Australian, so I'm feeling really good here.
I like Australia. "Of course, I understand Perth is his hometown. People have to support him you.