Carlos Prates could become Islam Makhachev's next challenger in the UFC; find out why.

Carlos Prates e Islam makhachev They are standouts in the UFC welterweight division. Photo montage SUPER LUTAS

Carlos Prates He has definitively entered the fight for the Ultimate welterweight (up to 77kg) belt. UFC 322, held last Saturday (15), the 'smoker' from Fighting Nerds knocked out Leon edwards with a precise left hook, he went on to rank among the top names in the category led by Islam makhachevDespite strong competition, the Brazilian has solid arguments to justify a future title shot.

His greatest asset is his ability to generate entertainment. In seven UFC appearances, Prates has amassed six brutal knockouts and six performance bonuses. Even in his only loss in the organization, against... Ian Gary, came close to making a historic comeback by almost knocking out the Irishman.

Another point in favor of the Brazilian is a promise made by Dana White. In an interview with UFC Brazil, Carlos Prates revealed that the president guaranteed a knockout on Leon edwards A first-round win would have put him very close to a title shot. Although he only achieved the result in the second round, there is great expectation that White will still honor the agreement, given the impact of the victory.

Carlos Prates' competition in the fight for the UFC belt.

Despite the Brazilian's arguments, the welterweight division is currently experiencing a period of high competitiveness and could still receive an 'unexpected' contender for the challenger spot.

Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman dominated Joaquin buckley in the main fight of UFC Atlanta. Photo: Reproduction/X.

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After losing the belt to Leon edwards, fail in the rematch and be surpassed by Khamzat Shimaev In the middleweight category (up to 83,9kg), many began to doubt whether Kamaru Usman He still belonged to the elite. However, in his most recent fight, the Nigerian dominated. Joaquin buckley in the main fight of UFC Atlanta and showed that he remains competitive.

Furthermore, the very Islam makhachev He expressed interest in facing him. Since Usman is considered by many to be one of the greatest welterweights in history, beating him would greatly enhance the Dagestani's legacy.

MichaelMorales

Morales celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Another strong name in the race is MichaelMorales. On UFC 322, the Ecuadorian ran over Sean brady Still in the first round, reinforcing his position in the category. Undefeated at 26 years old, Morales has seven wins in the UFC, five of them by knockout. In his last three fights, he earned three performance bonuses by defeating his opponent. Neil Magny, Gilbert Durinho And Brady himself, all in the first round.

Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Garry

Ian Gary is one of the main names in the UFC welterweight division. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Belal Muhammad | e Ian Gary They face off in the co-main event of UFC Qatarthis Saturday (22), in a crucial duel for the future of the category. A victory could put the Palestinian back on the path to the belt. As for the Irishman, if he wins, he will become one of the favorites for the title shot: he would be the only one of the new generation to defeat a former champion and would also have passed through Carlos Prates, direct competitor.

Shavkat Rakhmonov

Shavkat Rakhmonov in victory in UFC 310 (Photo: Instagram)

Even though he has been out of the spotlight for the past few months, Shavkat Rakhmonov He remains an extremely dangerous name. The Kazakh was slated to compete for the title in UFC 310, against Belal Muhammad |He suffered an injury and has not yet returned to the octagon. His return could directly affect the list of challengers.

Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Ilia TopuriaThe lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) could also jump the queue. The Spaniard has maintained a rivalry with Makhachev since he relinquished his featherweight title (up to 65,7kg) to face him, a fight that ultimately didn't happen, as the Russian also gave up his lightweight title to win gold in the welterweight division.

There is anticipation that the duel will finally take place in the main event of UFC White House, scheduled for June 2026, on the lawn of the United States presidential residence.