Carlos Prates Calls Himself Wrestling's Worst Nightmare, Targets Islam Makhachev
The top-ranked welterweight contender issued a bold callout of champion Islam Makhachev while partying with his coach.
Carlos Prates is not waiting for an invitation. The UFC's top-ranked welterweight contender called out champion Islam Makhachev in a social media video this week, declaring himself "wrestling's worst nightmare" and making his case for the next title shot.
Prates appeared to be drinking with his coach Eric Albarracin when he issued the challenge. Albarracin endorsed the callout with characteristic flair, describing his fighter as someone who "smokes American cigarettes, drinks Irish whiskey and breaks women's hearts."
The Brazilian knockout artist has been on one of the most violent runs in recent UFC memory. Every one of his Octagon victories has come by KO or TKO, with his only non-finish being a decision win over Ian Machado Garry. His last two wins came against former champions, including Leon Edwards, and he has won three straight by knockout in increasingly devastating fashion.
Makhachev moved up to welterweight earlier this year and has looked dominant. He won the belt with a five-round shutout of Jack Della Maddalena, then defended against Garry at UFC 330. Garry gave Makhachev a competitive fight and left the champion visibly marked up, but still came up short on the scorecards.
Even Makhachev's own camp acknowledges the threat Prates poses. Head coach Javier Mendez called Prates "the next more dangerous guy" after Michael Morales and praised his polished striking and size, comparing the Brazilian to a young lion, per MMA Sucka.
Whether the UFC books Prates next remains to be seen. Morales has also been pushing for a shot, and the promotion has not announced Makhachev's next defense. But Prates is making it impossible to ignore. Seven wins in eight Octagon appearances, all finishes, and the kind of one-punch power that could test anyone's chin.
I've been saying for months that Carlos Prates is the most dangerous man in the welterweight division, and I'm not backing off that now. The guy finishes everyone. Every single UFC win by knockout. That's not a streak, that's a signature.
Makhachev looked great against Della Maddalena, but Garry showed he can be hit and he can be hurt. Prates hits harder than Garry. A lot harder. And unlike most of the wrestlers in that division, Prates has the kind of power that makes takedown attempts risky. You shoot on a guy who can take your head off changing levels, you better be sure.
Mendez calling Prates the most dangerous challenger tells you everything. When the other camp is already giving you respect, they see what we all see. Book this fight. It's the one that could actually shake up the division.
