Carlos Prates has signaled his desire to fight Islam Makhachev on November 14 at UFC 334 in New York. The callout puts Prates in contention for a high-profile lightweight matchup at one of the year's marquee events.
Carlos Prates has publicly called out UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, expressing his desire to share the Octagon with him on November 14 at UFC 334 in New York. The callout, which has not been officially confirmed or signed, would set up one of the most compelling matchups the division could offer at what is shaping up to be a major year-end card.
Prates, known as "The Nightmare," carries a 24-7 record and is currently ranked second in the lightweight division at 33 years old. The Brazilian southpaw out of Vale Top Team stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach — significant physical advantages he has used to become one of the more dangerous strikers in the weight class. He lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him a persistent offensive threat on the feet.
Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, holds a 29-1 record and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings at 34 years old. The Russian fighter out of Eagles MMA has built his dominance on a suffocating blend of grappling and precision striking, landing 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes while connecting on 58 percent of his significant strikes — an accuracy mark that ranks among the best in the sport.
Why it matters
- Prates is ranked second at lightweight, meaning a title shot carries genuine divisional logic behind it
- The style contrast is stark: Prates brings elite striking volume and reach while Makhachev blends high-accuracy striking with relentless grappling
- UFC 334 in New York would be a marquee stage befitting a championship bout, adding weight to the callout
- As of now the matchup remains unconfirmed, and whether the promotion moves forward with it is unknown
