Sean Brady names ideal next opponent while addressing UFC welterweight title picture

Sean Brady put on a dominant performance in his most recent outing against Joaquin Buckley. However, he knows that win alone won't be enough to earn a title shot. Hoping to stay in the title picture, the American has revealed who he wants to fight next while also sharing his thoughts on the current state of the welterweight division.

The welterweight title picture is currently on hold, with champion Islam Makhachev set to defend his belt against Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330 on August 15. With the championship bout just around the corner, several top contenders have been forced to wait for their opportunity.

Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, Kamaru Usman, and Garry were all in the title mix. However, it was the Irishman who ultimately earned the opportunity to challenge Makhachev, extending the wait for the division's other top contenders.

Sean Brady Wants to Fight Carlos Prates to Put Himself in the Title Mix 

Speaking in a recent interview with James Lynch, Brady was asked who he would like to face next. He named either Gabriel Bonfim or former champion Jack Della Maddalena. 

However, he also expressed a strong desire to face Prates but explained why a fight against ‘The Nightmare’ may not happen, believing the Brazilian is waiting for a title shot alongside Morales.

“If you are looking at the top five or top six, Bonfirm, JDM make sense… I wanna fight Carlos Prates but I think Prates is gonna be waiting it's so weird cause him and Morales are both kinda waiting for the title shot.” Brady said. “How long do you wait, that’s when I was in the same position when I beat Leon , I was supposed to be next and i wasn't just gonna wait around you know.”

Brady has come close to earning a title shot on two occasions. He was riding a five-fight winning streak before it was snapped by Belal Muhammad. He rebuilt his momentum with three straight victories, and after defeating Leon Edwards, many believed he would be next in line for the welterweight title. However, he was matched up against Morales instead and suffered a first-round knockout loss, pushing him out of title contention.

Brady, Morales, Prates Remain in Race for UFC Welterweight Gold

In his most recent outing, Brady dominated Buckley to secure a unanimous decision victory. If he lands a fight against another top contender and wins in dominant fashion, he could once again find himself in the conversation for a title shot.

Meanwhile, Morales remains undefeated and is riding an eight-fight winning streak in the UFC. He has finished each of his last three opponents in the first round. On the other hand, Prates has finished every opponent he has faced in the UFC, with his only loss since joining the promotion coming against Garry in 2025.