Islam Makhachev posted a reaction to Carlos Prates' recent victory, writing 'Great work, Nutella cake' followed by a laughing emoji. The comment appears to be a playful jab at Prates. The post notes that the content is duplicated across multiple platforms for those who may have trouble loading it. The interaction adds to the ongoing narrative between Makhachev and potential future opponents in the welterweight division.
Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev took to social media to react to a recent victory by contender Carlos Prates, posting the phrase "Great work, Nutella cake" accompanied by a laughing emoji. The comment, which appeared across multiple platforms, reads as a lighthearted but pointed jab from the champion toward one of the division's rising threats.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and currently sits atop both the welterweight division and the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is a southpaw known for his well-rounded game — averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate. He represents one of the most complete fighters in the sport today.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," enters this moment off the back of a performance that drew the champion's attention. The 32-year-old Brazilian holds a 24-7-0 record and is currently ranked fifth in the welterweight division. Fighting out of Vale Top Team, the switch-stance striker brings elite output to his bouts, averaging 3.77 significant strikes per minute with a reach of 78 inches. His offensive pressure makes him a distinctive stylistic challenge for any opponent.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's public callout, however playful, signals awareness of Prates as a legitimate contender at 170 pounds.
- At ranked fifth, Prates is within range of a title eliminator or championship conversation.
- The style contrast is significant — Prates' high-volume striking against Makhachev's grappling-heavy, accuracy-driven approach sets up a compelling potential matchup.
- The exchange adds public momentum to a potential future booking in a welterweight division that continues to take shape around Makhachev's reign.
