Looking back to his younger years, Carlo Prater can’t recall what he dreamt of someday doing for a living.
“I was always into Arnold [Schwarzenegger] and [Sylvester] Stallone flicks, GI Joe action figures, Legos, He-Man—your typical little boy interests,” Prater, 30, recently recounted to Bleacher Report. “I don’t remember what I wanted to be, though.”
According to Prater, who first tried his hand at martial arts at the tender age of six, his life changed when he was introduced to mixed martial arts nearly 16 years ago.
“I was inspired to try MMA after watching the first UFC VHS tapes, summer of ’96,” Prater explained.
“Royce Gracie changed my life.”
Within a matter of months, Prater began helping some of his acquaintances prepare for mixed martial arts matches before making his long-awaited debut as a professional in 2002.
From Prater’s debut, he subsequently went undefeated in his first 11 professional contests—including a first-round submission victory over Melvin Guillard in late 2003.
Despite the fact that Prater was first contacted by the UFC in 2002 and has claimed notable victories over Spencer Fisher, Carlos Condit, Pat Healy and Keith Wisniewski, the young lightweight has yet to compete in the Octagon.
After four consecutive victories, however, Prater signed with the UFC in 2011. He is to make his Octagon debut against Erick Silva at UFC 142 in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
For Prater—who has dreamt of competing in the UFC for more than a decade—the prospect of fighting in the Octagon is more than just another fight.
“Feels great,” Prater offered. “[Fighting in the UFC is a] realization of a long-time dream… [I feel] better than ever. I believe I am truly ready.”
Although Prater emphasized the significance of fighting in the UFC, he is also quick to insist that, if all goes according to his plan, this will only be the beginning.
“There is much left to do,” Prater noted. “Now is when it starts… [I want] to keep fighting for the UFC and help push this sport into the 21st century.”
Looking past his run in the world of mixed martial arts, Prater—unlike how he recalled his life growing up—isn’t without his plans.
“I would like to be involved with coaching and mentoring younger fighters,” Prater explained.
“Also, I would like to try acting out. Mainly, just continue trying to be a good father to my son and a good person on planet Earth.”
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