Prates celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Brazilian MMA legend Paulão Filho sees a path for Carlos Prates to overcome Islam Makhachev and win the UFC welterweight title (up to 77 kg). After the Russian defeated Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 , the Fighting Nerds smoker became one of the main contenders to fight for the title next. For the BTT veteran, however, the Brazilian will need to rely mainly on medium kicks to make the champion's game difficult.
In an interview with PVT, Paulão Filho highlighted that Prates should exploit Makhachev's arms to limit his ability to defend and prepare for takedowns. In the former fighter's view, body kicks could be a safer alternative than directly attacking the Russian's head or legs.
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Paulão also pointed out that knees are an important weapon to counter Makhachev's attacks, especially when the champion tries to close the distance.
“I think he needs to hit his arms. Kicking his head and legs is complicated, he might close the distance and take him down. It's about throwing a straight punch, getting out of the way and kicking his body, because he'll be forced to put his arms up to defend himself… using your knees to meet him when he comes at you, but mainly hitting him and getting out of the way, making him adjust,” said Paulão Filho.
Carlos Prates may face Islam Makhachev in the UFC.
Riding high after knockout victories over Geoff Neal , Leon Edwards , and Jack Della Maddalena , Carlos Prates emerges as one of the top contenders to challenge Islam Makhachev next in the UFC.
The Brazilian has already stated that the organization has signaled the possibility of putting him in a title fight, while the champion himself has shown enthusiasm for the idea of facing the smoker.
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