Islam Makhachev had barely finished fighting at UFC 330 before questions about his next opponent started coming up.
The Russian defended his welterweight title by getting the better of Ian Machado Garry. The Irishman put up a good fight, and if Garry had been a little more aggressive, he could have won.
Makhachev’s face was a bit of a mess, and during a segment with Paramount+, he was asked about who could be his next opponent.
The champion didn’t dodge the question, and instead named three welterweights who could have been next. Makhachev believed that Carlos Prates is the best option for his next bout:
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“Honestly, if you ask me today, Shavkat is not fighting. Prates is still fighting, still active, and maybe Prates.”
Makhachev also brought up the undefeated Michael Morales, but didn’t think he deserved the next title shot:
“Morales is also good, but Morales fight I don’t last time, I don’t remember when he fight.”
The champion concluded by bringing up Prates’ name again:
“If you ask like who is most deserving guy, I think Carlos Prates.”
Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
Makhachev’s thoughts on his next opponent do make sense. Shavkat Rakhmonov is undefeated in his career, but the 19-0 Uzbek has had some terrible luck with injuries and even was involved in a serious accident which has kept him out of action since 2024.
Morales last fought at UFC 322, but hasn’t fought since. However, Morales is the next big thing in the division and isn’t that far off from a title shot.
Prates has been on a tear and has won seven of his eight fights with a Performance of the Night bonus in each of the wins.
His only loss in that time was against Garry, and Prates has already beaten former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.
Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim
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