Carlos Prates Claims Next Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev After New Deal
Carlos Prates declared he is next in line to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title after signing a new multi-fight contract with the promotion. The Brazilian knockout artist shared the details during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, pointing to a recent meeting with UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell as the source of the assurance.
Prates attended UFC 330 in Philadelphia, where Makhachev successfully defended his 170-pound championship against Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision. Before that event, a photo circulated of Prates standing alongside Campbell, prompting Helwani to ask what was discussed and agreed upon in the meeting.
“I’m the next for the title, yeah, new contract, the next one for the title,” Prates responded. He confirmed the new agreement covers eight fights, repeating the number for emphasis when pressed for details. “Eight fights, I think. … I think, I think eight, I think eight.”
The meeting and the resulting promise occurred prior to Makhachev’s victory over Garry. Prates made clear he still views himself as the next challenger based on what Campbell conveyed. At 33 years old, the former Muay Thai standout has built significant momentum in the welterweight division with a string of highlight-reel finishes.
Prates holds a 24-7 overall record and sits at 7-1 inside the Octagon, with every UFC victory coming by knockout or technical knockout. His recent run includes stoppages of former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena, the latter occurring in the main event of a Fight Night card in Perth earlier this year. Those performances elevated him into the upper tier of the rankings and positioned him as one of the division’s most dangerous strikers.
The conversation then turned to fellow contender Michael Morales, who served as the official backup for the UFC 330 title fight and has expressed his own belief that he sits next in line. Helwani asked why Morales thinks he is next. Prates offered a different outlook.
“Bro, I think he’s gonna fight, maybe, I don’t know, Belal Muhammad or somebody another fighter,” he said. “Maybe I don’t know, another fight, but he need to fight one more.”
Prates’s comments create a clear contrast in the welterweight title picture. Morales remains undefeated and has steadily climbed the rankings with consistent wins, yet Prates insists the UFC has already signaled its preference for him as the next challenger. The Brazilian’s finishing ability and recent victories over established names give weight to his claim in the eyes of many observers, even as Morales continues to press his case.
Makhachev, who extended his UFC winning streak to a record 17 fights with the decision over Garry, has indicated a desire to stay active and potentially return before Ramadan. That timeline could open a window later this year or early next year for a title defense. Prates, coming off his May victory, appears ready to wait for that opportunity rather than take an interim bout.
The development carries implications for the entire 170-pound division. A confirmed title shot for Prates would sideline other contenders temporarily and force Morales to secure another win to stay relevant. It also underscores the UFC’s willingness to reward Prates with a lengthy new contract while positioning him at the front of the line. Whether the promotion ultimately follows through on the reported promise remains to be seen, but Prates left little doubt about his understanding of the conversation with Campbell.
As the welterweight landscape settles after UFC 330, attention now turns to when Makhachev will next defend the belt and whether Prates receives the official call. The Brazilian has made his intentions clear and believes the next chapter already belongs to him.