Makhachev Picks Carlos Prates as Next Welterweight Challenger

Islam Makhachev wants Carlos Prates next, telling reporters after UFC 330 that the surging Brazilian has the strongest case for the next crack at his welterweight title.

Makhachev retained the belt with a hard-fought decision over Ian Garry in Philadelphia, his first defense since moving up and taking the 170-pound title. Speaking on the Paramount+ post-fight show, he made clear he's already looking past the Garry fight and toward Prates over the other two men circling the division, Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov, both of whom watched the card live.

"If you ask me today, Shavkat is not fighting; Prates is still fighting, still active," Makhachev said. "Morales also is good, but I don't remember the last time he fought. If you ask who is more deserving, I think Carlos Prates."

Why Makhachev Is Picking Prates Over Morales and Rakhmonov

Makhachev's case comes down to activity, not just resume. Rakhmonov has been out since December 2024 with injuries, and Morales hasn't fought as frequently as Prates has. Prates, meanwhile, has been the busiest and most destructive name in the division not currently holding gold. His only loss in his last several outings came to Garry in April 2025, and he answered it by running through Geoff Neal and then finishing two former welterweight champions, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena. That kind of form, stacked against two names sitting on the sidelines, is why Makhachev is willing to say it publicly rather than let the UFC matchmakers sort it out quietly.

Prates enters the conversation at 24-7, a record that reflects a finisher who takes risks, not a cautious point-fighter. Both Morales and Rakhmonov remain unbeaten, which usually carries more weight in title conversations, but Makhachev is explicitly prioritizing recent activity and quality of opposition over an unblemished record sitting on the shelf.

What This Means for the Betting Markets

A Makhachev-Prates pairing would be a live betting event rather than a formality. Makhachev is coming off a grueling five rounds with Garry, and Prates has built his case by finishing former champions rather than out-pointing them, the kind of power that sportsbooks respect even against a heavily favored champion. If the promotion books this fight next, expect Makhachev to open as a solid favorite given his wrestling-heavy resume and momentum, but Prates' knockout power keeps this from being a lock the way some of Makhachev's lightweight title defenses were. Bettors watching the welterweight market should treat this as a developing storyline rather than a confirmed booking until the UFC makes it official, since Makhachev's comments were his personal preference, not an announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does Islam Makhachev want to fight next at welterweight?

Islam Makhachev said Carlos Prates is the most deserving next challenger for his UFC welterweight title, citing Prates' activity over Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov.

What is Carlos Prates' current UFC record?

Carlos Prates holds a record of 24-7, with his most recent loss coming against Ian Garry in April 2025 before he rattled off finishes over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.

Why did Islam Makhachev pass over Shavkat Rakhmonov and Michael Morales?

Islam Makhachev said Shavkat Rakhmonov has been sidelined with injuries since December 2024 and that Michael Morales hasn't fought as frequently, making Carlos Prates the more deserving and active contender.