Daniel Cormier has suggested that Islam Makhachev should face Carlos Prates instead of his current scheduled opponent. Cormier argues that Prates delivered a far more impressive performance than Makhachev did when both defeated Jack Della Maddalena. He describes Prates' victory as "absolute madness" and believes Della Maddalena was not on Prates' level in their encounter. Cormier's comments imply that Prates would present a more exciting and competitive challenge for the lightweight champion. The post includes a poll asking fans whether Prates would be more interesting than Ian Garry, or if Garry remains the better matchup due to Prates' wrestling vulnerabilities.
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier is calling for a change to Islam Makhachev's next title defense, publicly advocating for Carlos Prates to replace the current scheduled challenger and arguing the Brazilian has done more to earn the shot.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and is the reigning champion in his division. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA and competes out of a southpaw stance, averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate — numbers that underline his reputation as one of the most complete fighters in the sport. He currently sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings.
Cormier's case centers on how each man looked against a common opponent. Jack Della Maddalena, ranked fourth in the division at 18-4, is a 29-year-old Australian striker who lands an eye-catching 5.57 significant strikes per minute. Cormier contends that Prates outshone both fighters when he faced Della Maddalena, calling the performance "absolute madness" and suggesting Della Maddalena was simply not on Prates' level in that outing.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," carries a 24-7 record and is ranked fifth in the division. The 32-year-old Brazilian stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His longer frame and dynamic striking style are what appear to fuel Cormier's enthusiasm for the matchup.
Why it matters
- Prates sits one spot below the current scheduled challenger in the divisional rankings, making a leapfrog booking a notable decision.
- His 78-inch reach gives him a significant physical edge over Makhachev, who works with a 70-inch reach.
- Cormier's own poll flags a potential vulnerability — Prates averages just 0.21 takedowns per 15 minutes and has no recorded submission attempts, raising questions about how he would survive Makhachev's grappling.
