🚨 Islam Makhachev's rumored fight with Carlos Prates is far from a done deal! 👀 Despite recent speculation about the two meeting at UFC 336 in Toronto this January, Islam's manager says the matchup is nowhere near being confirmed. 🗣️ “It's all just rumors and talk. Negotiations are ongoing.” 🎥: (@adam.zuba)
A rumored UFC 336 meeting between welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates is not close to being finalized, according to Makhachev's manager. The matchup has been the subject of speculation for a January date in Toronto, but the manager described the talk as unconfirmed and said negotiations are still ongoing. He called it "all just rumors," in the words reported with the story.
Makhachev, 34, is the reigning welterweight champion with a 29-1 record. The Russian southpaw trains with Eagles MMA and stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach. His most recent recorded fight was a unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry in a title defense at UFC 330 on August 15, 2026. That followed another five-round decision against Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025, and a first-round submission of Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January 2025. He averages 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes with 58 percent striking accuracy.
Prates, 33, is ranked number two at welterweight and carries a 24-7 record. The Brazilian from Vale Top Team is a switch-stance striker who stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach. His most recent recorded fight was a third-round KO/TKO of Della Maddalena on May 2, 2026. He has won each of his last three recorded bouts by knockout or TKO, including a second-round finish of Leon Edwards at UFC 322 and a first-round stoppage of Geoff Neal at UFC 319.
Why it matters
- Size and reach: Prates holds an eight-inch reach advantage (78 inches to 70) and is three inches taller.
- Striking versus grappling: Prates lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute against Makhachev's 2.27, while Makhachev's takedown rate of 3.22 per 15 minutes dwarfs Prates' 0.21.
- Rankings: Prates sits at number two in the division, which would make him a logical title challenger if talks advance.
- Common opponent: both men have faced Della Maddalena, with Makhachev winning by decision and Prates by knockout.
Until a bout is officially announced, the pairing remains a rumor, and the manager's comments suggest the timeline for any deal is unsettled.
Islam Makhachev vs Carlos Prates
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