Caio Borralho breaks down potential Carlos Prates vs. Islam Makhachev

Carlos Prates could be in the conversation for a UFC welterweight title shot against champion Islam Makhachev. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, Prates' training partner at the Fighting Nerds, Caio Borralho, believes a potential matchup against Makhachev would be a difficult fight for both men. The Brazilian middleweight sees Prates' striking as a serious threat to the Russian while recognizing that the champion's grappling could present major problems for his teammate.

Caio Borralho Sees a Dangerous Matchup for Both Fighters

Despite Makhachev's 17-fight winning streak, Borralho thinks the Russian could face a different kind of challenge if he eventually shares the Octagon with Prates. The Brazilian highlighted his training partner's ability to inflict damage with his striking, particularly his leg kicks. However, Borralho also acknowledged the Russian's danger, pointing to Makhachev's grappling as the natural counter to Prates' strengths.

"I think it's a dangerous matchup for both guys," Borralho told MMA Fighting. "I don't think Makhachev ever fought a guy like Prates that hurts you, makes you feel pain and other stuff with the leg kicks and all the stuff. On the other way, (Makhachev) has the grappling. This is the antidote to the striking, right? I think it's a hard matchup for both guys."

The Brazilian also believes Prates' ability to remain composed after being taken down could be an important factor in the potential matchup. According to Borralho, his teammate has consistently shown a strong mentality from the bottom position and could make Makhachev work hard for his takedowns.

"If Prates manages to keep his composure when he gets taken down, like he always keeps, his mentality is very good when he's on the bottom, and get up and defend a couple takedowns or at least make Makhachev a little bit more tired—I think Makhachev is actually getting used to the new weight class, so I think he's carrying more mass, more muscle, so this takes some time for him to adjust to that," Borralho said.

After defending the lightweight belt four consecutive times, Makhachev made his welterweight debut in November 2025 and defeated Jack Della Maddalena to claim the division's title.

Caio Borralho Believes Carlos Prates Can Hurt Islam Makhachev

With Prates known as one of the most dangerous strikers in the division, Borralho can visualize his teammate hurting Makhachev if the Russian starts to feel tired during the fight. At the same time, the Brazilian does not overlook the champion's ability to finish the fight on the ground, acknowledging that his grappling could be enough to neutralize Prates' striking.

"We saw (Makhachev) got tired in his last fight like he's not used to," Borralho said. "And I think if got tired like that against a guy like Carlos, he's gonna get hurt. But I think he has a massive chance to finish this fight too, to submit Carlos or anything like that, because he has a very good jiu-jitsu. But, in general, hard matchup for both guys."

For now, the UFC has yet to announce the matchup, with neither fighter having a confirmed opponent for his next Octagon appearance.