Prates had hoped to present an undisputed challenge to Makhachov
Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title in January. Instead, he will face the Brazilian Michael Morales for the cloak at UFC 336 Jan. 30 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Carlos Prates challenges Ali Abdelaziz’s defense against Islam Makhachev ahead of UFC 336
Prates has repeatedly criticized Makhachov on social media, accusing the champion of avoiding him. Abdelaziz recently addressed the welterweight contenders collectively, arguing that none of them would add to Makhachev’s legacy.
“If you are a competitor. Islam is the champion of this generation and maybe the greatest fighter,” Abdelaziz X wrote on the show. “Speak less because he makes you look bad. No one else will add to his legacy. He fights for passion, for the love of the sport and for the fans.”
Prates argued that Makhachov would have accepted the January game if his motivation had been passion. “The Nightmare” also promised to end the Russian legacy, not enhance it.
“If he’s fighting for passion, he’d be fighting the number one contender in January,” Prates replied. “I’ll add nothing to his legacy, I’ll end his legacy brother, and besides, he’ll make me great. Mark my words.”
If he fights for passion, he would fight the number one contender in January. I’m not adding anything to his legacy, I’m ending his legacy brother, plus he makes me look great. Mark my words ✍🏾
— Carlos Prates (@thenightmare170)
October 27, 2026
