Carlos Prates says he’s been promised the next shot at Islam Makhachev.
On Saturday, Makhachev made history, becoming the first fighter to win 17 consecutive fights after taking a decision over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 to defend his welterweight title. After the bout, the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport said he was hoping to stay active and fight again before Ramadan (which begins in February), but also suggested that top contenders Prates and Michael Morales should fight to earn the next title shot.
But Prates, who was in attendance to watch Makhachev’s win, says that’s already been decided.
“I’m the next for the title, basically,” Prates told Ariel Helwani on his YouTube channel when asked what he spoke with the UFC about at the event. “New contract, the next one for the title, and let’s go!”
Assuming this is true, that’s obviously unfortunate for Morales, who also attended UFC 330 and even weighed in as the backup fighter for the main event. Traditionally, the backup fighter spot has been viewed as next in line, but Prates says the UFC wants him to take another fight first.
“Bro, I think he’s going to fight, I don’t know, maybe Belal Muhammad or some other fighter,” Prates said. “But he needs to fight one more. …
“He’s a nice guy. We meet at the fight, and then he asked me if we’re going to fight or not, and I said of course not because I’m next for the title. He knew it already. But I told him after the fight, after I beat Islam, I’m going to beat him, and Ian.”
While the UFC has yet to confirm who will be next for Makhachev or when that might be, Makhachev already suggested he would like to compete again before the end of the year, which Prates said he’d be fine with. Mostly, Prates just wants to find out how good Makhachev is firsthand.
“I know I’m really underdog,” Prates said. “But I really want to fight him, not because of the title or money, because I want to test myself against him. I’m really excited to do this. I really think I can win. I can shock the world. I can make everybody surprised. I will do this.”
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