Former champion surprises and points out what Carlos Prates needs to improve to face Islam Makhachev in the UFC.

Carlos Prates and Islam Makhachev are standouts in the UFC welterweight division. Photo montage by SUPER LUTAS.

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Carlos Prates is on a collision course with Islam Makhachev for the UFC title, but some believe the Brazilian isn't ready yet. Despite his brutal knockout of Leon Edwards in the second round of UFC 322, he struggled in the grappling exchanges during the first round, which raised concerns for TJ Dillashaw.

During an appearance on the 'Jaxxon Podcast', Dillashaw assessed that Carlos Prates still needs to improve his grappling, pointing out flaws that, according to him, would be fatal in a potential confrontation with Islam Makhachev . The former champion highlighted that the Brazilian should seek more strategic matchups before directly targeting the current champion, at the risk of wasting a precious opportunity.

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“I think Carlos Prates needs to improve his grappling skills. You can see the flaws, and at 77 kg, Islam Makhachev would finish him… Make some smart matchups, because you're going to lose your chance by fighting Islam too hastily,” said TJ Dillashaw.

Carlos Prates positions himself as the easiest opponent for Islam Makhachev in the welterweight division.

In an interview with the 'Laerte Viana MMA' channel, Carlos Prates ironically pointed out that Kamaru Usman and Michael Morales are stronger, while he is the lightest and has suffered the most takedowns among them, a factor that, according to Fumante, would make the fight 'easier' for the champion.

“I’m the easiest fight, because Kamaru Usman is strong, he has wrestling, Morales is strong. I’m the lightest guy, the one who’s taken down the most among them. Come fight me, man, it’ll be easy… come fight me, it’ll be cool,” said Carlos Prates.

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