🚨CONFIRMED: Carlos Prates says Islam Makhachev fight is LOCKED IN 🔒 Prates says the fight is happening, the only question is when. While he’d love to get it done in Las Vegas this December, he believes January is looking more realistic 🗓️ [ via @n3onsingh 🎥/Kick ]
Carlos Prates says his fight against Islam Makhachev is locked in, with January now the most likely target window after a December date in Las Vegas proved difficult to arrange.
Prates, known as "The Nightmare," enters the matchup as the number-two-ranked welterweight contender carrying a 24-7 record. The 33-year-old Brazilian trains out of Vale Top Team and brings genuine finishing ability to the division. He is one of the more active strikers at 170 pounds, landing 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His six-foot-one frame and an exceptional 78-inch reach give him a notable physical edge over most opponents at welterweight.
Makhachev, meanwhile, holds the welterweight championship at 29-1, and the Russian from Eagles MMA is currently ranked at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings at 34 years old. A southpaw with a relentless wrestling-based game, Makhachev averages 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects on 58 percent of his significant strikes — an unusually high accuracy mark for a champion who also generates consistent grappling threats.
Why it matters
- Makhachev putting his welterweight title on the line against the division's second-ranked contender is a legitimate title defense with real divisional stakes.
- Prates carries the reach advantage at 78 inches compared to Makhachev's 70-inch reach, creating an interesting striker-versus-grappler style contrast.
- A January date would keep the welterweight title picture moving after what has been an active period for the division.
- Prates has zero submission attempts per 15 minutes on his record, meaning his path to victory runs almost entirely through his striking — a significant factor against one of the sport's premier grapplers.
