Islam Makhachev reacted to Carlos Prates' knockout victory with a playful social media comment calling him 'Nutella cake' with a laughing emoji. The lightweight champion's response appears to be a joking nickname or reference aimed at the surging welterweight contender. Makhachev's comment comes as Prates continues to build momentum with devastating finishes and call for high-profile matchups. The interaction adds to the growing online banter between top UFC fighters across divisions. The post also directs followers to alternative content channels for those experiencing loading issues.
Islam Makhachev took to social media to react to Carlos Prates' latest knockout win, posting a playful comment that referred to the Brazilian striker as "Nutella cake," accompanied by a laughing emoji.
Makhachev, a 34-year-old Russian champion out of Eagles MMA, holds a 28-1-0 record and currently sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. The verified data lists him under the welterweight division, and his technical profile reflects a complete fighter — landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. His submission threat remains constant at 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," is a 32-year-old Brazilian southpaw out of Vale Top Team who stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach. Sitting at number five in the welterweight division with a 24-7-0 record, he has built his reputation as a finishing striker, averaging 3.77 significant strikes per minute. His game is almost entirely built on the feet — he averages just 0.21 takedowns per 15 minutes and has logged zero submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's public acknowledgment, however lighthearted, puts Prates on a broader radar as his finishing streak gains attention.
- The style contrast is stark — Prates is a high-volume, switch-stance striker while Makhachev combines elite grappling with accurate striking.
- Prates holds a notable physical edge in height and reach, standing three inches taller with an eight-inch reach advantage.
- The cross-divisional social media exchange adds fuel to what could become a more serious conversation around future matchups.
