Carlos Prates Confirms Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev Is “Locked In”

Carlos Prates has put an end to months of speculation, declaring that his fight against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is officially set, even if the exact date is still being worked out.

“Yeah, I’m fighting Islam. It’s locked in. I don’t know when, but I will. I wish it’s in Vegas in December, but I don’t think so. Maybe January, something like that,” Prates said during a stream with N3on.

How Carlos Prates Earned His Shot

Carlos Prates arrives at this title opportunity off one of the most impressive runs in the welterweight division. He’s knocked out two former UFC welterweight champions in back-to-back fights, stopping Jack Della Maddalena and then Leon Edwards, performances that pushed him firmly into the No. 1 contender conversation. He also recently spoke on The Ariel Helwani Show, revealing he’d met with UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell and signed a new multi-fight contract with assurances he’s next in line, saying-

“I’m the next for the title. Yeah, basically, new contract, next one for the title and let’s go.”

Where and When Could Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates Happen

UFC 334 is already locked in for November 14 at Madison Square Garden, but that card’s main event is set: Ciryl Gane defends the undisputed heavyweight title against Josh Hokit. That rules out Makhachev-Prates for that date, leaving UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas as the more realistic option if the UFC wants to book it before year’s end. Even so, Prates himself sounded skeptical of that timeline in his comments, suggesting a January date is more likely. That would also line up with Makhachev’s own stated goal of fighting once more before Ramadan.

Prates enters the discussion as a sizeable underdog on paper, but his one-punch knockout power has made this a fight fans want to see regardless of the odds. He’s pointed to Garry’s success defending takedowns against Makhachev at UFC 330 as extra confidence that his own footwork and fence defense could give him a real chance if the fight stays standing. For now, all that’s left is for the UFC to lock in an official date and turn Prates’s confirmation into a real fight card.

About The Author

Chynelle Dirksz

A sports enthusiast turned writer, I bring a multi-sport perspective to my coverage. From playing basketball, handball, and throwball to competing as an athlete, sport has always been at the core of who I am, and writing became the natural way to channel that passion.

At To The Lane And Back, I cover Tottenham Hotspur, focusing on transfers, academy developments, and everything in between. I also write about UFC and MMA for UFCDailyNews.com, a site I designed, covering breaking news, fight analysis, and the latest developments in combat sports.

When I’m not writing, I’m probably being outsmarted by my two Labradors.

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