Prates Calls Makhachev 'Boring' Ahead Of Title Shot

UFC welterweight contender Carlos Prates has called champion Islam Makhachev boring ahead of a potential title clash later this year.

Makhachev retained his welterweight strap by defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, and at the post-fight presser, the champion acknowledged that Prates deserved a shot at the belt. The Brazilian striker has compiled an impressive run and sits as one of the division's top challengers, but his assessment of the champ's style suggests stylistic tension ahead of any future meeting.

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Prates Questions Makhachev's Grappling-Heavy Approach

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, as reported by Bloody Elbow and BJPENN.com, Prates made his preferences clear. "I think [Makhachev] is boring," he said. "I don't like watching fights at all. Striking fights or some friends, of course, I like to watch. But especially if there's a grappler fighting, I don't like to watch. I like to watch people getting knockouts, a lot of action and things like that."

The welterweight contender added that while he enjoys training grappling more than striking these days, watching ground-heavy contests holds no appeal for him. Prates is regarded as one of the UFC's most dynamic strikers, but Makhachev has handled two striker-heavy opponents in his welterweight title run thus far.

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If Prates gets the call, he will need to present problems the champ has not seen at 170 pounds. No timeline for the matchup has been announced.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Carlos Prates calls Islam Makhachev ‘boring’ ahead of possible title clash