Prates Rejects Morales' Claim He Turned Down Fight

Carlos Prates has dismissed Michael Morales' claim that he turned down a fight between the two welterweight contenders.

Speaking after UFC 330, where champion Islam Makhachev submitted Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia, Prates told MMA Mania that no matchup against Morales was ever offered by the promotion. "He said I'm scared about him? I'm not scared to fight you, I'm the No. 1 contender so I want to fight for the belt," Prates said. "UFC never offered a fight against you. If they offer me, of course I will knock you out really fast. First round."

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Why Prates vs. Morales Didn't Happen at UFC 330

Makhachev himself raised the question at the post-fight press conference, asking why the two contenders didn't settle the debate on the card. The broadcast switched between Prates and Morales cageside throughout the night, with both men positioned as potential next challengers. Morales responded to Prates by posting simply that he's ready to fight whenever the UFC calls.

Prates added that he expects to secure his title shot first, then face Morales afterward. "Get my belt, and then we can fight," he said. A December or January booking for the Brazilian against Makhachev would leave Morales available for a June date, assuming the champion wants to increase his fight frequency as he has stated in recent interviews.

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The promotion has yet to announce Makhachev's next defense, though odds opened with Prates as the slight favorite over Morales for the next crack at the belt.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Carlos Prates denies turning down Michael Morales fight: ‘I’m not scared’