Islam Makhachev has responded to Carlos Prates' recent victory with a playful social media comment. Makhachev wrote "Great work, Nutella cake" with a laughing emoji, appearing to mock or tease Prates. The post references content that may not load for all users and directs readers to alternative channels. The brief comment suggests potential future storyline development between the lightweight champion and the rising welterweight contender.
Islam Makhachev took to social media following Carlos Prates' latest victory, dropping a pointed two-word comment — "Great work, Nutella cake" accompanied by a laughing emoji — that instantly drew attention across MMA circles.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds champion status at welterweight, ranking among the pound-for-pound elite. The Russian fighter out of Eagles MMA is a technically suffocating presence, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. His southpaw grappling-heavy style has made him one of the most complete fighters on the roster.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," enters the picture as the No. 5-ranked welterweight contender. The 32-year-old Brazilian representing Vale Top Team owns a 24-7 record and brings a distinct offensive flavor to the division. Fighting out of a switch stance, he lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute — among the higher outputs in the weight class — with a 78-inch reach that gives him considerable range advantages at six-foot-one.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's comment, however playful, signals awareness of Prates as a name worth acknowledging in the divisional landscape.
- Prates' ranking at No. 5 puts him within realistic contender conversation, making any champion acknowledgment meaningful.
- The contrasting styles — Makhachev's grappling dominance versus Prates' high-volume striking and length — would present a genuinely compelling matchup on paper.
- The exchange, even one-sided and brief, adds a social layer to a potential future storyline between the champion and a rising challenger.
