Prates warns Makhachev 'somebody is going to pay' as welterweight title fight looms

Carlos Prates has put UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev on notice, posting a pointed message on Instagram confirming he is already deep in training camp for what would be his first UFC title fight.

Makhachev (29-1) made his first welterweight title defence against Ian Garry in August and has since named Prates as his preferred next opponent, eyeing a return to the Octagon before Ramadan — placing the fight in the late 2026 or early 2027 window. Prates (24-7), the Brazilian knockout specialist, wasted no time responding.

“Yes, Makhachev… Whatever I’m going through here at this gym, somebody is going to pay for it,” Prates said in an Instagram story. “And guess who’s going to pay? You!”

In a separate post, Prates went further, predicting a specific outcome for the pound-for-pound king. “Davai [‘come on’ in Russian] brother! 29-2!” — a direct claim that he intends to hand Makhachev only the second loss of his career.

The UFC has not yet officially confirmed Prates as the next welterweight title challenger, but the pieces are falling into place. Makhachev has publicly identified him as the target, and Prates is already training with the fight in mind. For a fighter who has built his reputation on finishing opponents, the prospect of challenging the sport’s most dominant champion represents both the biggest opportunity and the sternest test of his career.

Should the bout be formalised, Prates would enter as a significant underdog against a champion who has looked near-untouchable since moving to 170 pounds. His willingness to call his shot — predicting a 29-2 record for Makhachev — signals he is not approaching the challenge with any caution.