Islam Makhachev reacts to Prates victory calling him 'Nutella cake'

Islam Makhachev took to social media to taunt welterweight contender Carlos Prates following Prates' recent knockout victory, posting the words "Great work, Nutella cake" alongside a laughing emoji in a mocking jab at the Brazilian fighter.

Makhachev, now competing at welterweight, holds a 28-1 record and currently sits atop the division as champion. The 34-year-old Russian, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is also ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. A precise and calculated fighter, he lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, while averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — a reminder of the multidimensional threat he presents to any opponent.

Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," enters this social media exchange off the back of an impressive knockout performance that drew the champion's attention. The 32-year-old Brazilian, ranked fifth in the welterweight division, carries a 24-7 record and fights out of Vale Top Team. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, Prates is a volume striker who lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the more dangerous finishers in the division.

Why it matters

• Makhachev's public acknowledgment of Prates signals awareness of the Brazilian as a credible contender in the newly adopted division.
• Prates' 78-inch reach against Makhachev's 70-inch reach represents a significant physical contrast that could shape any potential future matchup.
• The exchange raises the profile of Prates at a moment when the welterweight title picture is taking shape around a new champion.
• The style matchup between a high-volume striker and an elite grappler would present distinct challenges for both men.