Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates Linked to Potential UFC 336 Headliner
A welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates may be under discussion, new reports reveal.
MMA analyst and UFC insider Alvaro Colmenero has revealed details about Islam Makhachev's next title defense, after a challenging victory over Ian Garry at UFC 330.
UFC 336 Speculated To Feature Major Welterweight Title Bout
Since the welterweight king confirmed a return to the Octagon before Ramadan, Michael Morales and Carlos Prates emerged as two threatening contenders for the 170-lbs title. In fact, only days ago, Brazil's Carlos Prates dubbed himself "wrestling's worst nightmare," claiming to have the antidote to Makhachev's pressure-heavy ground game.
New reports reveal the UFC might actually be considering Makhachev vs. Prates in January, with UFC Analyst Alvaro Colmereo first breaking the news in an X post.
"Prates can train hard now because, if the negotiations continue on their course, we'll see the Brazilian fighting against Islam Makhachev next January 30 at #UFC336 in Toronto."
Ya puede entrenar duro Prates porque, si las negociaciones siguen su curso, veremos al brasileño peleando contra Islam Makhachev el próximo 30 de enero en el #UFC336 en Toronto.
— Álvaro Colmenero (@KOlmeneroMMA) October 13, 2026
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani also added fuel to the speculation in his latest Oct. 13 YouTube video.
“Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates in January," Helwani noted, per Pro London MMA HQ on Instagram.
Another Instagram account (@violentrounds) revealed that Las Vegas remained a potential venue for the clash, even though the location was still under speculation. Moreover, the announcement is expected to come at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi later this October or in November.
Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates: A Stylistic Comparison
With the Khabib Nurmagomedov protege's stacked resume, it doesn't come as a surprise that Islam Makhachev is already a massive favourite against Carlos Prates, per early betting reports. The Brazilian, however, also brings a lethal arsenal to the showdown.
Prates is known for his one-punch KO power, having carded all his UFC victories via KO/TKO. Moreover, 'The Nightmare' is also currently riding a 3-fight winning streak after his sole loss to Ian Garry via unanimous decision.
Defeating former champion Jack Della Maddalena, who lost his crown to the Dagestani earlier this year, surely adds star power to his resume. Beyond JDM, knockouts over Leon Edwards and Geoff Neal further solidify his stature as a striking powerhouse.
Islam Makhachev, however, has built a reputation for dragging his opponents under the water to deliver a decisive victory. Usually chasing ground control and submissions, the Dagestani has also upped his kickboxing recently, notably knocking down Ian Garry at UFC 330 with a left high kick.
Still, the welterweight kingpin is treading the waters carefully, especially after his coach cautioned against the "young lion" Carlos Prates. And now, with the matchup potentially locked in, it remains to be seen who goes the distance in January and who crumbles under pressure.
