Carlos Prates has revealed he is preparing to serve as a backup fighter for Islam Makhachev's upcoming lightweight title bout. The Brazilian contender is putting in dedicated camp work to be ready should the main challenger be forced to withdraw.
Carlos Prates has confirmed he is in active camp preparation as a backup fighter for Islam Makhachev's upcoming lightweight championship bout, ready to step in if the primary challenger cannot compete.
Makhachev, 34, enters the contest as one of the sport's most dominant champions, holding a 28-1 record and currently ranked at the top of the pound-for-pound list. The Russian southpaw from Eagles MMA lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy while averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a multi-dimensional threat across all phases of the fight.
Prates, known as "The Nightmare," brings a contrasting profile to camp preparation. The 32-year-old Brazilian carries a 24-7 record and is ranked fifth in the welterweight division. Fighting out of Vale Top Team, the switch-stance striker is one of the busier fighters in the division, averaging 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. At six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, Prates offers notable physical advantages in the striking department.
Why it matters
- Prates staying sharp in a full training camp ensures Makhachev's title defense proceeds even if the scheduled challenger withdraws late.
- A top-five divisional contender serving as backup raises the credibility of the preparation and keeps Prates competitive and fight-ready.
- The stylistic contrast between Makhachev's grappling-heavy approach and Prates' high-volume striking makes for genuinely useful sparring and tactical preparation.
- Should Prates ultimately step in, the matchup would pit the division's most dangerous striker against its premier champion.
