Rival forgets competition and points to Carlos Prates as deserving of the spot to challenge Islam Makhachev.

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

Kamaru Usman He knows exactly who he considers his main competitor in the fight for the UFC welterweight (up to 77kg) belt. After Islam makhachev Assuming the title, a line of potential challengers began to form in the division, and among them is the Nigerian himself, who views the possibility favorably. Carlos Prates to win that spot.

During an appearance on the 'Pound for Pound' podcast, Usman stated that, at the moment, he sees Carlos Prates as the ideal name to compete for the title. The former champion also considered that the Brazilian might still need one more fight to consolidate his global impact, but highlighted that what the smoker has already done in such a short time is worthy of attention.

“I would say that, at this moment, for me, I would choose Prates. I still think he might need another fight to really… I feel he has done so much in such a short time. It wasn't enough to let that effect fully resonate around the world. But I would say Prates,” he said. Kamaru Usman.

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Kamaru Usman highlighted the willingness and enthusiasm that Carlos Prates He demonstrates this in competition, highlighting his attitude of learning from defeats and returning even stronger. According to the former champion, this profile appeals not only to him but also to the UFC, including Dana White, Hunter Campbell, and other executives.

“I like everything I’m seeing in him, his disposition, his excitement to go out there, compete and fight. Even when he loses, he thinks: ‘okay, I need to fix this and I’ll be back’. That’s what I love to see. And I think that’s what Dana, the company, Hunter and all those guys like, fighters like that. So I like Prates. Morales is also impressive. I have nothing against those guys. I admire what they’re doing,” concluded the Nigerian.

Carlos Prates is a standout in the UFC.

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

PUBLICITY:

After securing a contract with the UFC by achieving a brilliant knockout in the Contender Series, Carlos Prates He debuted in the organization and, still in his first year, achieved four knockouts and four performance bonuses in four fights, a feat that placed him in the top 15 of the welterweight division. Although his fifth fight resulted in a loss against Ian GaryThe Brazilian regained momentum and, with new knockouts in UFC 319 and UFC 322He advanced into the top 5 of the category. Today, he is one of the most highly regarded names to face the champion. Islam makhachev.

Islam Makhachev's manager argues that the champion should face Kamaru Usman in the UFC.

While Kamaru Usman Recognizing the strong competition in the welterweight title race, Ali Abdelaziz, who manages both the Nigerian and Islam makhachev, already made it clear who would like to see his two clients competing for the category title in a direct confrontation.