Carlos Prates: UFC promised Islam Makhachev title shot is next after signing new 8-fight contract
UFC fighter Carlos Prates has signed a new eight-fight contract and claims he is the next challenger for Islam Makhachev's welterweight title. Prates expressed criticism of Makhachev's fighting style, labeling it boring compared to his own preference for knockout-heavy matches.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing narrative and promotional buildup for high-stakes UFC championship bouts, reflecting the business side of professional combat sports.
Carlos Prates had a front-row seat to the action at UFC 330 in Philadelphia this past Saturday. With his sights firmly set on the victor, Prates watched intently as UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev defended his title against Ian Machado Garry.
In the end, it was Makhachev who walked away with a hard-fought unanimous decision to secure his first defense of the 170-pound title. The competitive affair left Brazil's Prates optimistic and excited to challenge the reigning pound-for-pound superstar Makhachev .
Speaking Tuesday on "The Ariel Helwani Show," Prates revealed that he had a conversation with UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell while in Philadelphia — and according to the top-ranked knockout artist, Prates is indeed next in line.
"I'm the next for the title. New contract. The next one for the title, let's go," Prates told Uncrowned.
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