Islam Makhachev responded to Carlos Prates' recent victory with a brief social media comment. Makhachev wrote 'Great work, Nutella cake' followed by a laughing emoji, apparently referencing Prates in a playful manner. The post appears to be a lighthearted reaction from the champion to a potential future challenger's performance. The commentator also directs followers to duplicate content on alternative platforms.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev took to social media to react to Carlos Prates' latest victory, leaving a brief but pointed comment that quickly drew attention online. Makhachev wrote "Great work, Nutella cake" accompanied by a laughing emoji, appearing to take a playful jab at the Brazilian contender following his performance.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and currently sits atop both the welterweight division and the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is a southpaw with a well-rounded game built on elite grappling and efficient striking. He lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that has made him one of the most dominant champions in the sport.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," enters the picture ranked fifth in the welterweight division with a 24-7 record. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team is a switch-stance striker who brings serious offensive output, averaging 3.77 significant strikes per minute. At six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, he carries notable physical advantages on the feet, though his grappling engagement is minimal, averaging just 0.21 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's public acknowledgment of Prates signals awareness of the Brazilian as a potential title challenger
- Prates' ranking at fifth in the division puts him within realistic contention range
- The stylistic contrast is stark — Makhachev's grappling-heavy approach against Prates' high-volume striking game
- A reach disadvantage of eight inches would be an unusual challenge for the champion to navigate
