Islam Makhachev Targets Carlos Prates Next as Coach Backs

Islam Makhachev's next UFC welterweight title defense appears to be taking shape, with his coach naming Carlos Prates as the most deserving contender. This follows Makhachev's record-breaking 17th consecutive win at UFC 330 in August.

Coach Javier Mendez has publicly backed a fight between his champion and the surging Brazilian contender Carlos Prates. Mendez told reporters that Prates has earned the shot and that the UFC wants the matchup. He warned that Prates is a genuine threat due to his well-rounded skills and knockout power. Prates himself has been campaigning for the title shot since attending Makhachev's victory over Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia on August 15.

After defeating Garry, Makhachev assessed the welterweight landscape. He told Ushatayka that he believes Garry will become champion, but only after Makhachev himself leaves the division. The champion also set a clear timeline for his remaining career. He told reporters on August 25 that he sees at least three more hard fights ahead of him. Michael Morales and Gabriel Bonfim are also in the contender mix behind Prates.

Makhachev's win over Garry was significant. It was his first successful defense of the 170-pound belt he won last November and pushed his UFC winning streak to 17 fights. That broke the longstanding record of 16 held by Anderson Silva. Makhachev, now 34, is 7-0 in UFC title fights.

Makhachev recently ignited a feud with former champion Jon Jones by stating Jones should be excluded from Greatest of All Time discussions due to past anti-doping violations. Jones fired back on social media. Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, a former teammate of Makhachev's at American Kickboxing Academy, sided with the current welterweight king. Rockhold said he favors a fighter who has competed cleanly over his entire career.

• Carlos Prates is the frontrunner for the next welterweight title shot, endorsed by champion Islam Makhachev's coach.
• Makhachev holds the UFC record with 17 consecutive wins, breaking Anderson Silva's mark in August 2026.
• The champion has committed to a minimum of three more fights before considering retirement.
• Makhachev's public dispute with Jon Jones over the MMA GOAT title has gained support from peers like Luke Rockhold.

Makhachev's immediate focus is on the next challenge. With his coach's backing and a clear contender in Prates, the path for his second title defense is becoming clear. His comments on his career length suggest fans can expect several more major fights from the dominant champion.