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Carlos Prates fights Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth.

Welterweight contender Carlos Prates says he understands why UFC superstar Conor McGregor reportedly turned down a fight against him.

Prates returns this Saturday at UFC Perth when he takes on former UFC welterweight contender Jack Della Maddalena. On paper, Prates vs. Della Maddalena is one of the best fights of the year, and it has the potential to be a true “Fight of the Night” slugfest between two elite strikers.

While Prates will be fighting Della Maddalena next, there were rumblings before this matchup that he could have been in line to be McGregor’s opponent in return after five years away from the Octagon. Speaking to MMAFighting.com, Prates admitted the UFC never offered him McGregor as an opponent. But he heard the rumors that McGregor was offered the fight and declined it, and, if that’s the case, then Prates fully understands why he said no. In the meantime, his focus is fully set on the former champion Della Maddalena.

“I didn’t put too much expectation on it, you know? I’ve always kept my feet on the ground. I knew a superstar like him, after being out for five years, probably wouldn’t come back fighting someone who’s been putting on great performances and knocking everyone out. Of course, if it happened, it would’ve been cool, it would’ve been awesome, but my focus is on Jack Della Maddalena to get the title shot,” Prates said.

“(McGregor) has his reasons for the fight not happening. Now it’s time to move forward and focus on JDM.”

Carlos Prates Could Earn Welterweight Title Shot With Big Win Over JDM

Prates is currently ranked No. 5 in the UFC welterweight division, and he gets a massive opportunity to fight the No. 1 contender when he fights Della Maddalena in the headliner at UFC Perth. If Prates wins, he will be right there for a title shot.

There have been reports lately linking UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev to a title defense against top contender Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia in August. But that fight hasn’t been booked yet, and if Prates can beat Della Maddalena in highlight-reel fashion, it’s possible he could jump the line past Garry, although he would likely be next in line either way, with Michael Morales also floating out there as another top welterweight contender.

Conor McGregor Rumored to Return at UFC 329 Against Max Holloway

Although he won’t be fighting Prates, there are strong rumblings that McGregor will return to the cage at UFC 329 in July, and the opponent that has been rumored is Max Holloway. It’s a fight that makes sense, as it would be a rematch between two longtime rivals and UFC stars. Holloway is also someone who will stand and trade with McGregor, which is what the fans want to see.

Should McGregor beat Holloway, and if that fight takes place at 170 lbs as expected, then he will immediately jump back into the UFC welterweight title mix after so many years away from the cage. After all, when you have the superstar name recognition that McGregor has, you get favoritism from the promotion. So if McGregor comes back and beats Holloway impressively, he could be one fight away from fighting for the welterweight belt, and that fight could come against Prates, if he’s able to take out Della Maddalena this weekend at UFC Perth.