UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev (28-1) says he’d be open to defending his welterweight title against Carlos Prates (22-1) if he gets past Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on August 15.
Makhachev had joked on potential challenger, Prates.
“Yeah, why not? Nutella cake is gonna be good opponent, you know? He’s an exciting fighter, and it’s gonna be a good fight.”
Prates has won three straight by knockout or TKO — over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena — with his only loss coming to Garry by decision. Makhachev also floated Michael Morales (19-0), who remains unbeaten after a first-round stoppage of Sean Brady, suggesting Prates and Morales could meet in a title eliminator.
Makhachev must first get past Garry, a win that would also push his UFC streak past Anderson Silva’s record 16 straight victories.