(Video) Carlos Prates and Michael Morales Argue Over Next Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev After UFC 330

Top welterweight contenders Carlos Prates and Michael Morales were present in the crowd at Xfinity arena for UFC 330.

(Video) Carlos Prates and Michael Morales Argue Over Next Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev After UFC 330

Michael Morales and Carlos Prates fight over title shot (via X, Instagram)

Carlos Prates had his attention on UFC 330 as Islam Makhachev defended his welterweight title against Ian Garry. The Brazilian knockout artist appeared in high spirits, smoking a cigarette and wearing a T-shirt that read, “I am next.” Prates made his ambition clear, positioning himself as the second challenger to Makhachev’s championship.

Prates crossed paths with Michael Morales in the crowd at the Xfinity Mobile Center while both watched the welterweight title fight. Morales’ friend, Martin Gonzalez, helped facilitate their conversation during the encounter. The discussion involved a potential matchup; however, Prates remained focused on Makhachev.

Prates and Morales also met backstage again at UFC 330 while discussing a potential December matchup. Prates pointed to Makhachev’s schedule, noting the champion could take another 10 months before returning. That made Prates unwilling to fight the Ecuadorian first, as he remained focused on securing the title opportunity.

Morales enters the title picture with an undefeated 19-0 record and three straight first-round finishes. The Ecuadorian has stopped Neil Magny and Gilbert Burns before knocking out Sean Brady at UFC 322. He also served as the official backup for Makhachev’s UFC 330 title defense against Garry.

Prates has built serious momentum in the 170-pound division with a string of impressive finishes. He made his name with a spinning elbow knockout over Geoff Neal at UFC 319.

He then stopped Leon Edwards at UFC 322 before most recently knocking out another former champion in Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth.

The Brazilian star was realistic about his title chances, acknowledging why Garry received the opportunity ahead of him.

He noted Garry had accepted short-notice fights throughout his career, making the opportunity understandable. The Irishman also handed Prates his first UFC loss at UFC Kansas City in April 2025.

Interestingly, Makhachev targeted Prates before UFC 330, viewing him as an interesting matchup. The champion highlighted Prates’ knockout threat, recent performances, and activity as reasons for his interest. With ‘The Nightmare’ continuing to call for the title fight, their potential matchup has gained further momentum.

Michael Morales had a heated backstage exchange with Ian Garry at UFC 330, potentially setting up another welterweight matchup.

With the two now linked to a possible fight, Carlos Prates remains focused on his title opportunity. For now, the Brazilian remains a clear contender for Islam Makhachev’s welterweight championship.

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Was Carlos Prates ready to face off with Islam Makhachev in the octagon at UFC 330?

Islam Makhachev has been linked to several brawls throughout his UFC career, beginning with the infamous UFC 229 chaos. He was part of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team during the post-fight brawl following the undefeated legend’s victory over Conor McGregor. Makhachev’s involvement in that incident became an early part of his UFC history.

Carlos Prates
Carlos Prates (via X)

Another brawl came at UFC 322, when Makhachev’s teammates Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Magomed Zaynukov clashed with Dillon Danis.

The altercation erupted cageside and spilled through a barricade into the media area. Security separated those involved, while Danis was escorted from Madison Square Garden.

UFC CEO Dana White has consistently tried to prevent brawls because of the security issues they can create around UFC events.

White also understands the support Makhachev and his Dagestani team have. He revealed that he rejected Carlos Prates’ idea of entering the Octagon after Makhachev defeated Ian Garry at UFC 330.

Yeah, I know, (Prates) was telling me, ‘I’m coming in there after the fight’, I said, ‘(No, no), let Islam have his moment’, we don’t need him running in there with the whole Muslim brotherhood tonight, we don’t need that let’s just pump the brakes and see what’s next.

Dana White via UFC 330 post fight press conference

Carlos Prates remains one of the leading contenders for Islam Makhachev’s welterweight title after his recent run of finishes. However, White’s decision means their potential faceoff will have to wait for another opportunity.

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