Islam Makhachev acknowledged Carlos Prates’ captivating performance at UFC Perth, where the Brazilian decisively finished former champion Jack Della Maddalena. Prates is currently on a three-fight winning streak, having knocked out all of his last three opponents, including two former UFC champions.
Considering the buzz surrounding Prates due to his exceptional striking displays, Makhachev views him as the most compelling potential matchup at this time. Makhachev is slated to defend his welterweight title in August, likely against Ian Machado Garry. Prates has publicly stated his desire to face the winner of this anticipated bout later in the year, even expressing a hope that Garry might dethrone Makhachev.
However, the pound-for-pound king is open to facing Prates sooner. In an interview with Red Corner MMA, Makhachev stated, “There have been many rumors about me fighting Ian Garry next. I haven’t discussed this fight with any UFC officials, so I can’t definitively say who the next contender is… I believe Prates is currently generating a lot of hype. A fight with him would be the most interesting.”
The Dagestani wrestling expert further elaborated that his next opponent has not yet been finalized, and he has not signed any contracts. This leaves possibilities open for matchups against names such as Michael Morales, Ian Garry, Kamaru Usman, Carlos Prates, and others.
“I have three to four other potential matchups. Kamaru Usman is one of them, along with Ian Garry, Morales, and Prates. That’s four, and Shavkat could be the fifth. They are all anticipating a title shot,” Makhachev added.
English Translation:
Islam Makhachev has expressed his admiration for Carlos Prates’ performance at UFC Perth, where the Brazilian made short work of former champion Jack Della Maddalena. Prates is currently on a three-fight winning streak, having knocked out all his last three opponents, two of whom are former UFC champions.
Given the growing attention on Prates for his masterclass striking, Makhachev believes he presents the most captivating challenge for him currently.
Makhachev is expected to make his first welterweight title defense in August, potentially against Ian Machado Garry. Prates has expressed his interest in fighting the winner of this potential bout later this year. He has openly stated he will be supporting “The Future” to unseat Makhachev, aiming for a rematch with Garry.
However, the pound-for-pound king is open to a fight with Prates immediately. Makhachev told Red Corner MMA:
“There have been many rumors about me fighting Ian Garry next. I haven’t spoken with any UFC officials about this fight, so I can’t say for sure who the next contender is… I think Prates has got the hype right now… A fight with him would be the most interesting.”
The Dagestani wrestling maestro also mentioned in the same interview that his next opponent has not been finalized, and he has not yet signed a contract, indicating that names like Michael Morales, Garry, Kamaru Usman, and Prates are still among the possibilities.
“I’ve got 3-4 other possible matchups. Kamaru Usman is up there, Ian Garry, Morales, and Prates. That’s four of them, plus Shavkat might be number five. They’re all expecting a title shot.”
