Islam Makhachev has responded to Carlos Prates' recent knockout victory with a humorous social media comment. Makhachev wrote "Great work, Nutella cake" in what appears to be a playful jab at the Brazilian fighter. The comment follows Prates' dominant performance and continues the trend of pre-fight banter between potential future opponents. The lighthearted nature of the response suggests Makhachev is acknowledging Prates' impressive win while maintaining his own confidence heading into a possible future matchup between the two fighters.
Islam Makhachev took to social media to acknowledge Carlos Prates' latest knockout win, posting the phrase "Great work, Nutella cake" in what reads as a tongue-in-cheek nod to the Brazilian contender's dominant performance.
The comment, directed at Prates, blends recognition of an impressive finish with the kind of playful needling that often signals a fighter is keeping a close eye on a potential future opponent. Makhachev stopped short of calling for a fight outright, but the exchange adds a layer of public intrigue to what is already an interesting divisional matchup on paper.
Makhachev, 34, currently holds the welterweight championship and carries a 28-1-0 record. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is ranked at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings and brings a well-rounded game built on a takedown rate of 3.2 per 15 minutes and a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," enters the spotlight with a 24-7-0 record and sits at number five in the welterweight division. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team is a switch-stance striker with a six-foot-one frame and a 78-inch reach. He lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the more dangerous offensive strikers in the division.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's comment signals he is watching the welterweight contender picture closely
- Prates, ranked fifth, is positioning himself as a legitimate title challenger with his recent finish
- A size and style contrast — Prates holds a reach advantage of eight inches and a higher striking volume — makes any future meeting a compelling matchup on paper
- The social media exchange keeps both names in the conversation at the top of the welterweight division
