Carlos Prates has sent another warning to Islam Makhachev as he pushes for a shot at the UFC welterweight championship. The Brazilian knockout artist believes his striking can overcome the champion’s biggest weapon.The latest Carlos Prates Islam Makhachev callout came on October 9, when Prates described himself as “wrestling’s worst nightmare.” His message adds another chapter to their developing rivalry, although the UFC has yet to announce a title fight between them.
Carlos Prates Calls Himself Wrestling’s Worst Nightmare
Carlos Prates 24-7-0 has made his intentions clear as he pursues his first UFC championship opportunity. The Brazilian contender delivered another direct challenge to Islam Makhachev, this time focusing on the champion’s wrestling.
“I’m wrestling’s worst nightmare,” Prates declared in a message that circulated across MMA social media on October 9.
The statement reflects Prates’ confidence in his ability to handle Makhachev’s grappling pressure. It also comes at a time when the UFC welterweight title picture remains unsettled, with several contenders seeking an opportunity against the champion.
Prates has built his reputation around powerful striking and his ability to finish opponents. However, facing Makhachev would require him to overcome one of the most effective wrestling-based approaches in modern MMA.
Why Carlos Prates Wants to Fight Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev 29-1-0 currently holds the UFC welterweight championship. The former lightweight champion moved to 170 pounds and added a second divisional title to his career.
He successfully defended the welterweight belt against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August 2026. Makhachev controlled enough of the contest to secure a unanimous-decision victory, strengthening his position at the top of the division.
Prates believes he can present a different challenge. His ability to land powerful punches and kicks makes him dangerous whenever an opponent enters striking range.
The Brazilian also carries momentum from his victory over former champion Jack Della Maddalena in May. That performance strengthened his case for a championship opportunity and brought him closer to the top of the welterweight division.
Prates Previously Predicted He Would Knock Out Makhachev
Prates’ latest warning follows several earlier attempts to attract Makhachev’s attention. In September, he shared training footage and suggested that the champion would suffer his second professional defeat if they met.
During one message, Prates addressed Makhachev in Russian and referred to a potential 29-2 record. The remark was a prediction about the champion’s future, not an actual change to his record.
Prates also explained how he expects a possible fight to unfold. He acknowledged that Makhachev could control the early rounds through wrestling but remained confident about eventually finding a knockout.
Speaking with Gilbert Burns, Prates suggested he could survive the champion’s grappling pressure before finishing him in the fourth or fifth round.
His latest claim about being wrestling’s worst nightmare continues that argument. Prates believes he can withstand Makhachev’s strongest attacks long enough to turn the contest into a striking battle.
Colby Covington Disagrees With Carlos Prates’ Confidence
Prates’ latest challenge follows criticism from former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Covington dismissed the Brazilian’s chances against Makhachev.
Covington argued that Prates relies too heavily on striking and would struggle against the champion’s takedowns. He predicted that Makhachev could secure a submission through a kimura or head-and-arm choke.
The criticism highlights the central question surrounding a potential title fight. Prates has demonstrated his knockout ability against dangerous opponents, but Makhachev presents a different challenge through his wrestling and positional control.
Prates would need to defend takedowns, escape difficult positions and create enough opportunities to land meaningful strikes. His ability to manage those exchanges could determine whether his confidence translates into success.
Can Carlos Prates Stop Islam Makhachev’s Wrestling?
Makhachev’s success comes from combining striking with takedowns, clinch control and submission threats. He rarely depends on one technique, making it difficult for opponents to anticipate his attacks.
Prates would likely need to establish distance early and punish aggressive entries. His knees, kicks and counterpunches could discourage Makhachev from rushing into exchanges without setting up his attacks.
However, defending the first takedown would not necessarily solve the problem. Makhachev frequently links attempts together and uses the fence to maintain pressure when opponents resist.
Prates has acknowledged those difficulties in previous interviews. His confidence comes from believing he can survive the early grappling exchanges and create a decisive striking opportunity later.
The matchup would provide an interesting contrast between two different MMA fighting styles, particularly in a five-round championship contest.
Michael Morales Remains Another Welterweight Title Contender
Prates is not the only fighter seeking Makhachev’s next championship defense. Michael Morales 19-0-0 has also expressed interest in facing the champion.
The undefeated Ecuadorian has built momentum through impressive victories over established welterweights. His knockout wins against Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady have helped establish him as a leading contender.
Morales has also discussed facing Prates in a potential title eliminator. Such a matchup could clarify the championship picture, although the UFC has not officially announced that fight.
Makhachev previously questioned why the promotion did not arrange a fight between Prates and Morales to determine the next challenger. Both fighters attended UFC 330, where Makhachev defeated Garry.
The situation leaves the UFC with multiple options. Prates offers an established knockout threat, while Morales brings an unbeaten record and considerable momentum.
When Could Islam Makhachev Fight Carlos Prates?
A potential championship fight has been discussed for late 2026 or early 2027. Makhachev has expressed interest in returning before Ramadan, creating a possible window for his next title defense.
However, the UFC has not confirmed Prates as his opponent or announced a date and venue.
The timing will depend on the champion’s availability, the promotion’s schedule and its decision about the leading contender.
Fans following Islam Makhachev’s next fight will need to wait for an official announcement before treating the matchup as confirmed.
Why a Makhachev vs. Prates Title Fight Would Matter
A fight between Makhachev and Prates would bring together two athletes with very different strengths. Makhachev would look to impose his grappling, while Prates would aim to keep the contest standing.
The matchup would also offer Prates an opportunity to become UFC champion for the first time. Defeating Makhachev would represent the biggest achievement of his professional career.
For Makhachev, another successful defense would strengthen his position as welterweight champion. It would also demonstrate his ability to overcome a dangerous striker with considerable knockout power.
The potential fight carries significant implications for the division, especially with other contenders waiting for their opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Carlos Prates Islam Makhachev callout has intensified speculation about the UFC welterweight champion’s next opponent. Prates believes his striking makes him a dangerous matchup, even against an accomplished wrestler like Makhachev.
His confidence has attracted attention, but the most important question remains unanswered. Can Prates defend Makhachev’s takedowns long enough to land a fight-changing strike?
Until the UFC confirms a championship fight, the rivalry remains a developing storyline rather than an official booking.
FAQs
What did Carlos Prates say about Islam Makhachev?
Carlos Prates called himself “wrestling’s worst nightmare” in a new challenge directed at UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Has Carlos Prates vs. Islam Makhachev been officially announced?
No. As of October 9, 2026, the UFC has not officially confirmed a championship fight between Prates and Makhachev.
What is Carlos Prates’ MMA record?
Carlos Prates holds a professional MMA record of 24 wins and seven losses.
Who did Islam Makhachev fight most recently?
Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 330 in August 2026.
Could Carlos Prates fight Islam Makhachev in early 2027?
Yes, early 2027 remains a possible timeframe, but neither the date nor the matchup has received official confirmation.
