Islam Makhachev reacted to Carlos Prates' recent victory with a social media post calling the Brazilian fighter "Nutella Cake." Makhachev wrote "Great work, Nutella Cake" with a laughing emoji, appearing to reference Prates in a mocking manner. The lightweight champion's comment comes amid growing speculation about potential future matchups. The post suggests Makhachev is monitoring developments in the welterweight division. Details about the context or reason for the specific nickname are limited in the original message.
Islam Makhachev took to social media following Carlos Prates' recent victory to address the Brazilian contender directly, posting "Great work, Nutella Cake" accompanied by a laughing emoji in what appeared to be a mocking reference to the welterweight ranked fighter.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and stands as the reigning welterweight champion, currently ranked as the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is a relentless grappler who lands 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and attempts 1.1 submissions per 15 minutes, while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent — among the highest in the division.
Prates, who carries the nickname "The Nightmare," is ranked fifth at welterweight with a 24-7 record. The 32-year-old Brazilian, who trains with Vale Top Team, is a switch-stance striker with a 78-inch reach and a significant strike output of 3.77 per minute. His style leans almost entirely on the feet, with virtually no takedown or submission activity in his game.
Why it matters
- Makhachev publicly acknowledging Prates signals the champion is keeping a close eye on the division's contenders.
- The stylistic contrast is sharp — Makhachev's elite grappling versus Prates' high-volume striking — which gives the potential matchup a compelling dynamic.
- A fifth-ranked contender drawing the champion's attention, even informally, can shift the landscape of divisional positioning quickly.
- The playful but pointed tone of the post adds a social dimension that could fuel further back-and-forth between the camps.
