Carlos Prates has no problem fighting Michael Morales, but the Brazilian believes the outcome would be a quick knockout if the UFC ever puts them inside the Octagon.
Prates and Morales were both in attendance at UFC 330, where Morales served as the backup fighter for the main event between champion Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry. The two exciting and top welterweight contenders were seated next to each other during the event.
“The Nightmare” recently warned Morales. He said:
“I’m not scared to fight you, I’m #1 contender so I wanna fight for the belt. UFC never offered the fight against you. If they offered me, of course I’d knock you out really fast.”
Carlos Prates Believes He Is Next in Line for the UFC Welterweight Title
Carlos Prates’ confidence comes after an impressive run in the welterweight division. The Brazilian has been highly active and has established himself as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers.
Most notably, Prates has scored knockout victories over two former UFC champions in his last two fights, further strengthening his claim to a title opportunity.
Morales is also considered one of the division’s most exciting knockout artists, making a potential clash between the two dangerous strikers particularly intriguing.
Michael Morales Has Been Waiting for His Next Fight
While Michael Morales has remained ready to compete, the Ecuadorian has not been as active as No. 1 contender Carlos Prates.
Morales’ most recent fight came against Sean Brady at UFC 322. Since then, he has remained on the sidelines, although he was prepared to step in at UFC 330 if either Islam Makhachev or Ian Machado Garry were forced out.
Morales successfully made weight for UFC 330 despite ultimately not competing. His willingness to stay ready kept him firmly in the conversation among the division’s top contenders.
Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates Could Come Next
For now, however, it appears Carlos Prates is the more likely contender to receive the next welterweight title opportunity.
Makhachev defended the welterweight championship against Garry at UFC 330, and Prates appears to be positioning himself as the next challenger. A title fight could potentially take place before the end of 2026 or sometime before Ramadan 2027. Even Makhachev wants “The Nightmare” next and believes Prates has done enough to become the next title challenger.
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