Carlos Prates: Conor McGregor likely 'chickened out and ran away' from UFC offer

Carlos Prates said he believes the UFC discussed his name for a Conor McGregor bout, as he is now slated to headline UFC Perth on May 2 against Jack Della Maddalena. In a translated interview with Laerte Viana (via Championship Rounds), Prates alleged McGregor declined due to matchup and weight considerations, noting the Irishman’s inactivity since 2021. The comments followed McGregor’s since-deleted post claiming he was offered a “no name” for his next fight. Prates enters with six wins in seven UFC appearances, including a second-round knockout of Leon Edwards at UFC 322 last November. McGregor has teased a return “sometime this summer.”