Carlos Prates Says He Will Wait for Title Shot, No More Contenders Needed
Carlos Prates believes he has already done enough to wait for a UFC title shot.
The rising welterweight contender made it clear that he does not see the need to fight another contender before getting his chance at the belt. Instead, Prates says he is willing to wait and face the winner if a fight between Michael Morales and Islam Makhachev happens in August.
“If he Morales vs Makhachev happens in August, I’m gonna fight the winner,” Prates said. “I don’t need to fight somebody and then go to the belt.”
It is a confident statement from a fighter who clearly believes his position in the division is strong enough.
Prates Wants to Protect His Title Path
In MMA, fighters often have to make difficult career decisions.
Taking another contender fight can bring activity, money, and momentum. But it also brings risk. One loss can destroy a title shot, especially in a stacked division where every contender is looking for their own opportunity.
Prates seems to understand that.
Instead of accepting another dangerous matchup just to stay busy, he wants to wait for the right fight. From his point of view, another contender bout is unnecessary if he is already close to the championship picture.
The Morales vs Makhachev Angle Makes It Bigger
The possible matchup between Michael Morales and Islam Makhachev adds extra interest to Prates’ comments.
Morales is a dangerous unbeaten-style talent with size, power, and confidence. Makhachev, meanwhile, brings championship experience, elite grappling, and one of the most respected names in MMA.
If those two fight, the winner would likely become a major figure in the welterweight title conversation. Prates wants to position himself directly against that winner.
That is a smart move if the UFC sees him as part of the same title race.
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Why Prates Believes He Has Done Enough
Prates has built his reputation through exciting performances, striking danger, and a growing fan base. He is not just trying to be another ranked fighter. He wants to be seen as a real championship threat.
His message is simple: he does not want to take a step sideways.
For him, the next fight should move him directly toward the belt. Anything else would be an unnecessary risk.
That confidence is part of what makes Prates interesting. He is not quietly waiting for opportunities. He is saying clearly what he wants.
Waiting Can Be Risky Too
While waiting for a title shot can be smart, it also comes with danger.
The UFC moves quickly. Injuries, new contenders, surprise wins, and promotional decisions can change everything. A fighter who waits too long can sometimes lose momentum while others stay active and steal attention.
That is the balance Prates must manage.
If the UFC agrees with his position, waiting could pay off. But if the promotion wants him to prove himself one more time, he may have to decide whether to accept the risk or hold firm.
Final Thoughts
Carlos Prates is making his position clear: he wants the title path, not another contender fight.
If Morales vs Makhachev happens in August, Prates says he wants the winner. He believes he does not need to fight someone else first before reaching the belt.
It is a bold stance, but it also shows how confident he is in his current place in the division.
Now the question is whether the UFC sees it the same way.
