Carlos Prates may have revealed next fight against Islam Makhachev

Carlos Prates appears to have let slip who his next opponent will be, casually naming Islam Makhachev during a conversation with social media personality N3ON. When asked who he was fighting next, Prates answered without hesitation — though the UFC has not made any official announcement regarding the matchup.

Prates, known as "The Nightmare," carries a 24-7 record and sits at number two in the welterweight division at just 33 years old. The Brazilian out of Vale Top Team stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, giving him a notable physical edge over most opponents at 170 pounds. He is one of the more active strikers in the division, averaging 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, and rarely hits the mat — averaging just 0.21 takedowns per 15 minutes.

Makhachev, meanwhile, is the reigning welterweight champion and the current pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world. The 34-year-old Russian from Eagles MMA holds a 29-1 record and has built his dominance largely through elite grappling, averaging 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes. He also connects at a striking accuracy of 58 percent despite landing at a more measured 2.27 significant strikes per minute. He stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach.

Why it matters

• A Prates title shot would be one of the most stylistically compelling matchups the welterweight division has seen, pitting elite striking volume against the sport's most dangerous wrestler
• Prates's seven-inch reach advantage could be a significant factor if the fight stays standing
• The bout is not yet officially confirmed, and the only source is Prates himself speaking informally — treat the matchup as unverified until the UFC makes a formal announcement
• If made, a champion at 29-1 against a top-two contender carries clear divisional title implications at 170 pounds