Prates On Makhachev: Expects To Get Smashed Early

Carlos Prates expects a rough start if he faces Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title.

Prates, who attended Makhachev's first defense of the 170-pound belt against Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia, told retired fighter Gilbert Burns he anticipates weathering an early grappling storm before finding his finish. "I think I'm going to start by getting smashed, and the first time I manage to get back to my feet and start hurting him, I'm going to knock him out somewhere around the fourth or fifth round," Prates said, per MMA Fighting.

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Prates Draws Anderson Silva Comparison

The Fighting Nerds standout compared his projected path to victory against Makhachev to Anderson Silva's comeback win over Chael Sonnen. Prates noted that Sonnen secured mount in the opening round before Silva knocked him out in the second. BJPenn.com reports that Prates believes his recent resume — finishes over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards, and Jack Della Maddalena — should earn him the next shot at Makhachev's gold.

Makhachev has publicly stated he prefers to face Prates next given the Brazilian's momentum. The champion plans to return before Ramadan, which would put his next defense no later than January 2027.

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Prates dropped his bout with Garry in April 2025 but has since reeled off three straight knockout wins over former champions and top contenders.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Carlos Prates welcomes rocky start against Islam Makhachev to score KO: “I think I’m going to stat by getting smashed”