Carlos Prates Vows to Destroy the Legacy of Islam Makhachev After the Champion Rejected UFC 336 Title Defense
Carlos Prates didn't like Islam Makhachev sitting out, which left him to face Michael Morales for the interim welterweight title.
Follow Us
Carlos Prates vows to defeat Islam Makhachev (Image via MMA Fighting)
MMA fans expected Islam Makhachev to return for UFC 336 in January of 2027 to defend his welterweight title. Brazilian knockout artist, Carlos Prates, was the rumored opponent for the Dagestani’s title defense. However, Makhachev chose to not compete at UFC 336.
Later, the welterweight champion suggested that Prates and Michael Morales should fight to figure out the next title contender. UFC CEO Dana White stated that Makhachev didn’t give any credible reason to explain his absence for UFC 336 in January.
This led the promotion to book Prates vs Morales at UFC 336 with the interim welterweight title on the line. Ali Abdelaziz maintained that the current contenders didn’t add to the champion’s legacy and that Makhachev fought for passion. Prates fired back at the comment, vowing to destroy Makhachev.
If he fights for passion, he would fight the number 1 contender in January. I will not add anything on his legacy, I will finish his legacy brother, and also, he will make me look great. Mark my words.
Carlos Prates via X
Carlos Prates responds to Ali Abdelaziz and says he will "finish" Islam Makhachev’s legacy 😳 "If [Islam] fights for passion, he would fight the number 1 contender in January. I will not add anything on his legacy, I will finish his legacy brother, and also, he will make me look great. Mark my words."
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 28, 2026
A couple of months ago, Makhachev selected Prates as a future title challenger over Michael Morales. After the Brazilian knocked out Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev admitted that a title fight with Prates remains interesting.
The sudden change in stance came as a shock to Dana White as well as the MMA community. Now, the welterweight champion wants Prates and Morales to fight it out to compete against him.
The Dagestani fighter fought just once in 2024, then competed twice in 2025 and ends 2026 with a single fight. It remains to be seen when Makhachev returns to the UFC for his title defense.
Once the interim title fight at UFC 336 was booked, Carlos Prates went on Instagram fire shots at the champion. He cited the champion’s inactivity and called Makhachev out for his cowardly behavior.
You told the UFC you wouldn’t be ready to fight three months from now. Brother, you don’t drink, you don’t smoke, you don’t go to parties, and you can’t get ready for a fight in three months? Let me show you how it’s done. On January 30, I’m going to knock Michael Morales out, and then I’ll come back to retire you, coward!
Carlos Prates via Instagram
Meanwhile, Prates has a tough task ahead of him in the form of Michael Morales. The Ecuadorian star recently issued a warning to the Brazilian ahead of their UFC 336 encounter.
Michael Morales warns Carlos Prates ahead of UFC 336 interim title fight
Michael Morales has competed on the UFC roster since 2022. He is 7-0 in the promotion with an undefeated career record of 19-0. The Ecuadorian star has not competed since his quick TKO of Sean Brady back in November of 2025.
Meanwhile, Prates has competed once in 2026 and will enter UFC 336 as the fresher fighter. However, that doesn’t bother Morales. The undefeated contender released a video addressing Prates’ earlier comments and vowed to come on top at UFC 336.
You called me a coward, but you needed ten months to get ready to fight me? Bro, I don’t make excuses. I wait for my moment and take whatever opportunity comes my way. Now shut your mouth and quit smoking, because trust me, you’re gonna need those lungs.
Michael Morales said
Michael Morales sends a message to Carlos Prates 👀 "You called me a coward, but you needed ten months to get ready to fight me? Bro, I don’t make excuses. I wait for my moment and take whatever opportunity comes my way. Now shut your mouth and quit smoking, because trust me, you’re gonna need those lungs."
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 25, 2026
Both Morales and Prates is on a three-fight finishing streak and will look for their fourth win via finish at UFC 336. Even the undefeated contender has eyed Makhachev for a long time. The stakes are high as the loser will fall down the ladder and will have climb back up for a title shot.
The Brazilian star is not worried about the threats from Morales. It remains to be seen who will come out on top and when the winner gets to challenge Makhachev for the undisputed title.
Also Read:
Nidhin Shibu
(2696 Articles Published)