Islam Makhachev On His Preferred Opponent – ‘He's The Hype Now'

Islam Makhachev has shifted the welterweight title picture by pointing to Carlos Prates as his preferred next opponent.

Makhachev became a two-weight champion at UFC 322 in November 2025, claiming the welterweight title and adding it to the lightweight belt he previously held. Ian Machado Garry had been the loudest voice in the contender queue since then, accusing Makhachev of fabricating a hand injury to avoid the matchup.

Meanwhile, Prates’ third-round TKO of former champion Jack Della Maddalena — the second consecutive finish of a former welterweight champion, following his second-round knockout of Leon Edwards last November — moved him up three spots in the rankings to number two in the division. Within days, Makhachev acknowledged the shift.

Makhachev Reacts

Instagram: islam_makhachev

“The UFC hasn’t informed me about it yet but there’s been a lot of rumors about me fighting Ian Garry next. I haven’t talked with any officials about this fight so I can’t tell for sure who is the next contender. I’ve got three or four more possible matchups. Kamaru Usman is also up there. Ian Garry, Morales, Prates. And then Shavkat might be number five. They’re all expecting a title shot. But I think Prates has the hype now. He’s talked about much more now,” Makhachev said

Instagram: islam_makhachev

Garry, however, is the only fighter to have defeated Prates inside the Octagon. UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15 had been widely discussed as the target for Makhachev’s next defence, with Garry as the assumed opponent. That plan now appears fluid. No contract has been signed, and Makhachev’s public preference for Prates — combined with the rankings movement after Perth — gives the UFC a legitimate decision to make.

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