Carlos Prates recently outlined his ranking of some of the top welterweight contenders.

Prates is set to face Michael Morales in an interim title next January as two of the division’s most exciting stars collide.

It is well known that Morales cuts a lot of weight in order to compete at 170 pounds, and the Ecuadorian’s strength is something that his next opponent isn’t taking lightly.

However, ‘The Nightmare’ believes that along with the current champion, a friend of his would be a tougher challenge than the one that’s in front of him.

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Carlos Prates ranks Gabriel Bonfim above Michael Morales when analyzing toughest matchups

In a recent interview, Carlos Prates was asked whether there’s anyone at welterweight that he believes would be a tougher fight than Michael Morales, with the exception of Islam Makhachev.

‘The Nightmare’ responded after giving it some thought by saying ‘Marretinha’, the nickname of his fellow Brazilian contender, Gabriel Bonfim.

The #5-ranked Bonfim was set to face Sean Brady this weekend before the American withdrew on short notice after suffering from a staph infection.

Prates explained that while he acknowledges how dangerous Morales is, he doesn’t rate him from a technical standpoint, especially against the well-rounded skillset of Bonfim.

“Man, I think so,” he told Laerte Viana. “He’s good at boxing, he was a boxing champion. He’s good on the ground. He might not be as strong as Morales, but he’s good on the ground. I’m sure he’s better on the ground than Morales.”

He said earlier on in the interview that despite his one UFC loss coming to Ian Machado Garry, he believes that for this version of himself, Morales would be tougher than a rematch with the Irishman.

Prates also revealed when initially naming Bonfim as his answer that the two Brazilian stars have developed a friendship over the years.

They’re on different paths right now but a matchup between them doesn’t feel out of the question due to how highly ranked they both are.

Prates said that the relationship that he has with Bonfim means that he’d only have to try and solve this puzzle if a belt being on the line meant that they could put their friendship temporarily aside.

“Marretinha is my partner, bro,” he added. “I think for us to fight, man, it would only be in a title situation because he’s a kid I really like. We talk, we’ve hung out, we’ve had a few drinks together. When we run into each other, we catch up. He’s a good guy. So for me to fight him, I think it would only be for a belt.”