Carlos Prates calls out Islam Makhachev, taunts him in Russian

Carlos Prates has taken his shot at the top of the lightweight division, posting a video on social media aimed directly at champion Islam Makhachev — and delivering part of the message in Russian for maximum effect. The Brazilian contender signed off the callout with a reference to a 29-2 record, a figure that does not match his verified ledger, suggesting a degree of confident embellishment rather than strict accuracy.

Prates, known as "The Nightmare," enters the picture as the number-two ranked contender in the division. The 33-year-old Brazilian trains out of Vale Top Team and brings a physically imposing frame to the lightweight limit, standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach. His offensive output is notable — he lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, and his fight record stands at 24-7. He is almost entirely a striker by approach, averaging just 0.21 takedowns per 15 minutes with no recorded submission attempts.

Makhachev, the reigning champion, presents a very different profile. The 34-year-old from Russia carries a 29-1 record and trains alongside the Eagles MMA collective under the guidance of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's legacy system. A southpaw standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, Makhachev is among the most efficient champions in the sport, landing strikes at 58 percent accuracy while also threatening with 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes. He currently sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings.

Why it matters

• Prates is the division's second-ranked contender, making his case for a title shot credible on paper
• The reach advantage — 78 inches versus 70 — underscores the contrasting physical profiles in a potential matchup
• Makhachev's wrestling-heavy game would represent a stark test for a fighter with virtually no takedown offense of his own
• No fight has been booked or announced; Prates is making a public push, not confirming a deal