Bruce Buffer Confirms Islam Makhachev vs Carlos Prates Title Fight in the Works and Gives Prediction

UFC announcer Bruce Buffer heard backstage talks about Islam Makhachev defending his title against Carlos Prates in January.

Bruce Buffer Confirms Islam Makhachev vs Carlos Prates Title Fight in the Works and Gives Prediction

Islam Makhachev already picked Carlos Prates for title shot (via talkSport, X)

Islam Makhachev broke the longstanding UFC win streak record of Anderson Silva at UFC 330. The welterweight champion defended his belt against Ian Machado Garry and now will return to fight once before Ramadan. Carlos Prates is likely the next challenger for the Dagestani legend.

Recently, rumors online suggested that the promotion was looking to book Makhachev vs Prates for January of 2027. UFC 336 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada is reportedly the targeted destination. The UFC is pushing for Makhachev vs Prates to start 2027 off in style.

‘Voice of UFC’ Bruce Buffer recently collaborated with streamer N3on. During the stream, Buffer and N3on discussed a wide of variety, including the rumored title fight between Makhachev and Prates. Buffer didn’t outrightly pick the winner, but admitted that Makhachev was the favorite to retain.

That’s what I heard. You know, I never predict fights like that but I will just say that all the favoritism will go to Islam. But anybody can win at any given day in the octagon. Anybody can win, that’s the beauty of it.

Bruce Buffer told N3on

Fans have complained about Makhachev’s lackluster title fights against Garry and Jack Della Maddalena. The aggressive style of Prates may deliver something exciting.

After all, the Brazilian knocked out two former champions to become a title contender. He defeated Leon Edwards last year and followed it up with a brutal destruction of Della Maddalena this year in Australia. Believe it or not, Prates has a huge momentum right now.

Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev put off retirement to focus on establishing a grand legacy in the welterweight division. To that end, he previously identified Prates as a future opponent.

The Brazilian KO artist issued a warning to the welterweight champion. In recent times, Makhachev has used takedowns to control the fight and win. However, Prates’ teammate believes that strategy won’t work when they fight.

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Jean Silva predicts Carlos Prates to upset Islam Makhachev

Carlos Prates and Jean Silva are part of the team – Fighting Nerds. Prates and Silva are among the most exciting fighters inside the octagon with their styles involves dishing out damage.

Carlos Prates warns Islam Makhachev
Carlos Prates and Islam Makhachev

Fans and analysts believe that Makhachev holds a major advantage against Prates in the wrestling department. This is because fighters like Ian Garry, Leon Edwards and JDM landed a takedown against the Brazilian fighter.

They believe that if the likes of Garry and JDM can take Prates down, Makhachev could exploit that weakness to win a decision. However, Jean Silva doesn’t think that scenario will happen.

He’s (Makhachev) not going to stand and trade with Prates. That is a huge advantage for Carlos Prates. The moment he lands his hand, the fight is over, It’s five rounds. I doubt he can go five rounds without taking a big shot from Prates.

Jean Silva via MMA Fighting

Silva also explained why Makhachev stood and traded shots with Garry at UFC 330. The featherweight contender believed that Garry didn’t pose a knockout threat, which allowed the Dagestani fighter to feel comfortable on the feet. This is why Silva picked Prates to upset Makhachev when they fight.

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Ian Garry is confident about beating Islam Makhachev if a rematch ever happens

Islam Makhachev didn’t look dominant at UFC 330 like he did in the lightweight division. Other than landing a knockdown, Makhachev didn’t find much striking success against Garry.

Ian Garry and Islam Makhachev after UFC 330
Ian Garry and Islam Makhachev after UFC 330 (via X)

The welterweight champion needed to use timely takedowns to secure victory. However, Garry recently revealed about learning much from that fight. This came after Dana White criticized him for showing too much respect. He also predicted a victory for himself if a rematch ever happens.

The Irishman is looking to return early next year. He called out undefeated contender Michael Morales to a title eliminator bout. It remains to be seen if the UFC will move forward and book that bout while Makhchev and Prates settles their business inside the octagon.

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