Jean Silva backs teammate Prates to knock out Makhachev in UFC welterweight title fight

Jean Silva has predicted his teammate Carlos Prates will dethrone Islam Makhachev when the Brazilian challenges for the UFC welterweight title next year, arguing that Makhachev’s striking habits make him uniquely vulnerable to Prates’ knockout power.

Prates, who has finished 19 of his 24 professional opponents by knockout or technical knockout, is expected to receive a shot at the 170-pound title in 2027. Silva, speaking to MMA Fighting, pointed to Makhachev’s last title defence against Ian Garry as evidence that the champion is willing to stand and trade — a tendency he believes will prove costly against a far more dangerous puncher.

“[Makhachev] stood to trade with Ian Garry because Ian Garry doesn’t have the kind of knockout power that Prates does,” Silva said. “He’s not going to stand and trade with Prates. That’s a huge advantage for Carlos Prates, because he knows that the moment he lands his hand, the fight is over. It’s five rounds. I doubt he can go five rounds without taking a big shot from Prates.”

While Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the sport’s elite wrestlers, Silva’s argument centres on what happens when the champion chooses not to use that dimension of his game. Against Garry, Makhachev spent stretches of the fight on the feet — a strategy Silva insists would be far riskier against Prates.

Prates’ UFC résumé supports the billing. His finishes in the promotion include victories over Jack Della Maddalena, Leon Edwards, Geoff Neal and Neil Magny, a run that has established him as one of the most dangerous strikers in the welterweight division. All of his UFC wins have come by knockout or technical knockout.

Makhachev, the reigning champion, has not yet confirmed Prates as his next opponent, but the matchup has been widely discussed as the leading contender bout for the 170-pound title. Silva’s comments add a notable voice to the pre-fight narrative, given his direct knowledge of Prates’ training and preparation.