Islam Makhachev responded to Carlos Prates' recent victory with a brief comment on social media. Makhachev wrote 'Great work, Nutella cake' followed by a laughing emoji, appearing to mock or tease the Brazilian contender. The comment suggests Makhachev is aware of Prates as a potential future opponent and is engaging in light psychological warfare. This interaction comes as Prates continues his impressive knockout streak in the UFC welterweight division.
Islam Makhachev took a moment after Carlos Prates' latest victory to weigh in on the Brazilian contender, leaving a brief but pointed remark on social media. The reigning welterweight champion wrote "Great work, Nutella cake" alongside a laughing emoji, a comment widely read as playful mockery directed at the rising knockout artist.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds the welterweight title while also ranking as the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. The Russian, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is a technically precise competitor — landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. He moves from a southpaw stance and has long been regarded as one of the most complete fighters in the game.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," sits at number five in the welterweight rankings with a 24-7 record. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team has made a name for himself with a relentless finishing ability, landing 3.77 significant strikes per minute. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, the switch-stance striker presents a physically imposing challenge for anyone in the division.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's comment signals he is keeping a close eye on Prates as a potential title challenger
- Prates' continued knockout streak is building a case for a future championship opportunity
- The size and reach advantage Prates holds — seven inches of reach over Makhachev — makes the stylistic matchup a compelling one for the welterweight division
