Prates’ Sleep Secret: How a Fighter Beats the Clock

Carlos Prates, the rising star in UFC’s welterweight division, has shocked fans with his odd sleep pattern. He says he rarely gets a full night’s rest, even before big fights. While most athletes rely on long sleep for recovery, Prates keeps his routine tight and unconventional.

“I usually go to bed around midnight, wake up at 1:30 a.m., stay awake until the early morning. Then I sleep again from about 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 or 9 a.m., before heading straight to the gym.”
— Carlos Prates

This schedule means he only averages about four hours of sleep in a 24‑hour period.

Performance Unshaken

Despite the limited rest, Prates’ performance inside the Octagon remains strong. His powerful knockouts and precise striking have earned him a reputation as one of the league’s most exciting fighters. The surprise lies in how he manages to stay sharp with so little rest.

Handling Pressure

Prates also says that pressure doesn’t weigh on him during fights. In a recent bout against Jack Della Maddalena, he described the UFC’s demands as manageable compared to his earlier struggles. He spent six years in Thailand with little money, fought while injured or ill, and took low‑pay fights just to survive.

“I’m doing what I love,” he said, implying that the passion for fighting outweighs external stress.

These hardships shaped his mindset: resilience and focus can offset unconventional habits, like a short sleep cycle.

The Takeaway

In the end, Prates proves that success in combat sports isn’t solely about hours on the mattress. It’s also about training, mental toughness, and a willingness to push beyond comfort zones.