Carlos Prates and Islam Makhachev are standouts in the UFC welterweight division. Photo montage by SUPER LUTAS.
Carlos Prates found a creative way to try and start a rivalry with Islam Makhachev . After knocking out Leon Edwards at UFC 322, the smoker began to be mentioned among the possible challengers for the Russian's belt. However, given the strong competition in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg), a direct confrontation with the champion is still uncertain. Therefore, the Brazilian decided to bet on creativity to stand out.
In a video posted on social media, Carlos Prates appeared eating a Nutella cake while wearing a Dagestani papakha, a traditional accessory popularly associated with Khabib Nurmagomedov , Makhachev's main coach.
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The provocation refers to an episode that occurred during the week of UFC 322, when Makhachev expressed surprise at seeing Prates eating a Nutella cookie, while most of the athletes on the card, including the Russian himself, were 'suffering' from the harsh restrictions of weight cutting.
Watch Carlos Prates' provocation.
Carlos Prates eats Nutella cake wearing a Dagestani papakha, a nod to welterweight champion Islam Makhachev
This is a nod to Islam Makhachev , who was amazed when Carlos ate Nutella cake during fight week.
(via @thenightmare170 ) pic.twitter.com/AekYY5aDtH
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 15, 2025
Carlos Prates could be the first Brazilian to win the UFC welterweight title.
Carlos Prates is a prominent Brazilian fighter in the UFC. Photo: Instagram / Carlos Prates
Although Brazil is a historical powerhouse in the UFC, the welterweight division (up to 77 kg) has never had a champion representing the country. Thiago Alves came close to achieving this feat at UFC 100, but couldn't overcome Georges St-Pierre's takedown game and ended up being dominated over five rounds. Years later, Gilbert 'Durinho' Burns also came close: he managed to stagger Kamaru Usman early in the fight, but was ultimately knocked out.
Now, Carlos Prates emerges as Brazil's new hope . With six wins, six knockouts, and six bonuses earned within the organization, the fighter currently occupies sixth place in the category's ranking and rekindles expectations for an unprecedented title for Brazil in the welterweight division.
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