Islam Makhachev was impressed byCarlos Prates‘ performance at UFC Perth, where the Brazilian finished former champion Jack Della Maddalena with ease.Prates is currently riding a three-fight win streak and hasknocked outall of his last 3 opponents, 2 of whom are former UFC champs.Given the hype that Prates has been building by showcasing his striking masterclass, Makhachev believes the former is the most interesting matchup for him at the moment.
Islam Makhachev is expected to make the first defense of his welterweight title in August against Ian Machado Garry, and Prates wants to fight the winner of this potential fight later this year. He has publicly disclosed he will be rooting for “The Future” to dethrone Makhachev so that he and Garry can run it back soon.However, the pound-for-pound king is game to fight Prates right away. He told Red Corner MMA:
There have been a lot of rumors about me fightingIan Garrynext. I haven’t spoken with any UFC officials about this fight, so I can’t say for sure who the next contender is… I think Prates has got the hype right now… A fight with him would be the most interesting.”
The Dagestani wrestling maestro also addedin the same interviewthat his next opponent hasn’t been finalized, and he hasn’t signed a contract yet, meaning names like Michael Morales, Garry, and Kamaru Usman, Prates, among others, are still in the mix.
“I’ve got 3–4 other possible matchups.Kamaru Usmanis up there, Ian Garry, Morales, and Prates. That’s four of them, plus Shavkat might be number five. They’re all expecting a title shot.”
Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
Islam Makhachev reacts to Carlos Prates’ win and calls him the most interesting matchup 🔥💪“I’ve got three or four possible match-ups. Kamaru Usman is also up there. Ian Garry, Morales, Prates. Shavkat might be number five,” he said when discussing potential opponents for his…pic.twitter.com/C51ujNNTxH
Source: LowKickMMA.com
