Islam Makhachev responded to Carlos Prates' recent knockout victory with a humorous comment. He posted 'Great work, Nutella cake' with a laughing emoji, apparently making a playful jab at his potential future opponent. The post also mentioned that for those having trouble loading content, duplicates were available on other platforms. This reaction suggests Makhachev is aware of Prates' callout and the potential for a future matchup between them.
Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev took a lighthearted swipe at Carlos Prates on social media following Prates' recent knockout win, posting "Great work, Nutella cake" alongside a laughing emoji — a playful reference that signals the champion is paying close attention to the Brazilian contender's callout.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds the welterweight title while simultaneously ranking at the top of the pound-for-pound standings. The Russian fighter out of Eagles MMA is a technically precise southpaw, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate and adding consistent grappling pressure with 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. He is widely regarded as one of the most complete fighters in the sport today.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," enters the conversation at No. 5 in the welterweight division with a 24-7 record. The 32-year-old Brazilian fighting out of Vale Top Team is a switch-stance striker who generates significant offensive output, averaging 3.77 significant strikes per minute. His physical tools are notable — standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach — and he brings a near-exclusive striking approach, averaging virtually no takedowns or submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's public acknowledgment of Prates suggests a title fight between them is at least on the champion's radar.
- A victory over Prates would put a high-volume switch striker with a major reach advantage across the cage from one of the sport's elite grapplers, creating a compelling stylistic contrast.
- At No. 5 in the division, Prates would need to climb or receive a direct title shot, making the champion's reaction a notable development in the divisional picture.
