Islam Makhachev responded to Carlos Prates's recent victory with a sarcastic comment calling him 'Nutella cake' and saying 'great job.' The comment appears to be a playful jab at Prates, possibly referencing his appearance or nickname. The post is brief and does not provide extensive context about the nature of their relationship or any potential future matchup. The tone suggests some tension or competitive rivalry between the two fighters.
Islam Makhachev took to social media following Carlos Prates's latest victory to deliver a pointed two-word response, calling the Brazilian contender "Nutella cake" and adding a sarcastic "great job." The brief post stirred attention across MMA circles, hinting at some level of competitive friction between the welterweight champion and one of the division's rising threats.
Makhachev, 34, now holds a 28-1-0 record and currently sits atop the welterweight division as champion, as well as ranking as the number-one pound-for-pound fighter on the roster. The Russian southpaw, training out of Eagles MMA, is a technically complete fighter who averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the most efficient fighters in the sport.
Prates, 32, is ranked fifth in the welterweight division and carries a 24-7-0 record for Brazil's Vale Top Team. Known by his nickname "The Nightmare," the switch-hitting striker stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and is one of the more dangerous volume strikers in the weight class, landing 3.77 significant strikes per minute. His nearly non-existent takedown and submission output marks him as a pure stand-up competitor.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's comment signals awareness of Prates as a potential future opponent at 170 pounds
- Prates, ranked fifth, would need further wins to position himself for a title shot, but the champion's attention suggests he is already on the radar
- The stylistic contrast is stark — Makhachev's elite grappling against Prates's high-volume striking would make for a compelling matchup
