IslamMakhachev has named the ideal next challenger for his Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight **** le.
Makhachev retained his belt with a hard-fought victory overIanGarry at UFC330 in Philadelphia. The Russian revealed that CarlosPrates is the preferred next opponent after recording his firsttitle defense at welterweight.
Prates and MichaelMorales, who were both in attendance at UFC 330, are in therunning for the next **** le shot, with Makhachev believing theBrazilian currently has the stronger case. He dismissed ShavkatRakhmonov, who's been sidelined with injuries since December2024, and Morales, who hasn't been as active as Prates.
"If you ask me today, Shavkat [Rakhmonov] is not fighting; Pratesis still fighting, still active," Makhachev said during theParamount+ post-fight show. "Morales also is good, but I don'tremember the last time he fought. If you ask who is more deserving,I think Carlos Prates."
Morales and Rakhmonov are both unbeaten, while Prates holds arecord of 24-7. The latter's last loss came against Garry in April2025, but he has remained active since then, picking up finishesagainst Geoff Nealand two former champs: LeonEdwards and JackDella Maddalena.
#title
Makhachev retained his belt with a hard-fought victory overIanGarry at UFC330 in Philadelphia. The Russian revealed that CarlosPrates is the preferred next opponent after recording his firsttitle defense at welterweight.
Prates and MichaelMorales, who were both in attendance at UFC 330, are in therunning for the next **** le shot, with Makhachev believing theBrazilian currently has the stronger case. He dismissed ShavkatRakhmonov, who's been sidelined with injuries since December2024, and Morales, who hasn't been as active as Prates.
"If you ask me today, Shavkat [Rakhmonov] is not fighting; Pratesis still fighting, still active," Makhachev said during theParamount+ post-fight show. "Morales also is good, but I don'tremember the last time he fought. If you ask who is more deserving,I think Carlos Prates."
Morales and Rakhmonov are both unbeaten, while Prates holds arecord of 24-7. The latter's last loss came against Garry in April2025, but he has remained active since then, picking up finishesagainst Geoff Nealand two former champs: LeonEdwards and JackDella Maddalena.
#title
2 months ago
