Islam Makhachev Doesn't Owe Carlos Prates a Title Shot
Islam Makhachev doesn't owe Carlos Prates a fight, and the growing narrative that he's ducking competition by sitting out while the UFC books an interim lightweight title is misguided. Islam Makhachev Doesn't Owe Carlos Prates a Title Shot Islam Makhachev doesn't owe Carlos Prates a fight, and the growing narrative that he's ducking competition by sitting out while the UFC books an interim lightweight title is misguided. The champion has defended his belt multiple times against elite opposition, and the notion that he should race back to face a welterweight on the rise — one who has never competed at 155 pounds — reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how championship reigns should work. Makhachev captured the lightweight title in October 2022 by finishing Charles Oliveira, then defended it against Alexander Volkanovski twice in 2023. He added Dustin Poirier to his résumé in June…