Carlos Prates Challenges Islam Makhachev for UFC 333 on Nov. 14
Updated
Updated · sporf.com · Aug 25
Carlos Prates Challenges Islam Makhachev for UFC 333 on Nov. 14
3 articles · Updated · sporf.com · Aug 25
Summary
Carlos Prates publicly called for a title fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 333 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden, posting an event graphic on Instagram with the caption “And New.”
The challenge came just after Makhachev defended his UFC welterweight belt at UFC 330, where he beat Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision after mixing early grappling with a head kick that dropped him.
That quick callout suggests Makhachev, described as the pound-for-pound No. 1, could return before year-end despite only recently completing his latest defense.
A Prates-Makhachev matchup would give UFC 333 an immediate title-fight storyline as speculation builds around the champion’s next opponent.
After shattering Anderson Silva's legendary win streak, will Islam Makhachev risk his historic reign against Carlos Prates at Madison Square Garden?
Ian Machado Garry exposed unexpected vulnerabilities in the champion; could a rising knockout artist like Carlos Prates finally dethrone Islam Makhachev next?
With undisclosed purses hiding his true earnings, is the UFC rushing Makhachev's next title defense just to cash in on his record-breaking momentum?