Islam Makhachev has publicly reacted to Carlos Prates' recent victory with a tongue-in-cheek comment on social media. The UFC lightweight champion wrote "Great work, Nutella cake" in response to Prates' performance, using a playful nickname for the Brazilian fighter. The lighthearted jab appears to reference Prates' nickname or physique while acknowledging his win. Makhachev's comment adds to the growing narrative around potential future matchups at welterweight. The reaction was shared across multiple platforms for fans who may have difficulty loading the original content.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev took a moment to acknowledge Carlos Prates following his recent victory, posting a tongue-in-cheek message on social media that read "Great work, Nutella cake" — a playful dig at the Brazilian contender that quickly spread across platforms.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and currently sits atop the welterweight division as champion and the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is a southpaw standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach. His grappling-heavy style is backed by 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and a striking accuracy of 58 percent, making him one of the most complete fighters in the sport.
Prates, 32, fights out of Brazil under the banner of Vale Top Team and enters the exchange ranked fifth in the welterweight division with a record of 24-7. Known as "The Nightmare," he stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and operates as a switch-stance striker. His offensive output is notable, averaging 3.77 significant strikes landed per minute at 55 percent accuracy — numbers that place him among the busier strikers in the division.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's public acknowledgment of Prates signals awareness of a rising contender in his division
- Prates' ranking at number five puts him within striking distance of title contention
- The size contrast is clear — Prates holds a meaningful reach and height advantage over the champion
- The exchange adds fuel to a potential future matchup narrative at 170 pounds
