Jon Anik Justifies Carlos Prates’ Revelation About Fighting Islam Makhachev Next
Jon Anik sees nothing wrong in Carlos Prates' claim about Islam Makhachev being his next opponent.
The UFC has yet to announce Carlos Prates' next opponent, but the Brazilian is confident enough that it will be the reigning welterweight king, Islam Makhachev. Prates also publicized the same and recently received support from UFC commentator Jon Anik, who saw nothing wrong with the potential fight.
Jon Anik Keeps Carlos Prates Ahead of Michael Morales in the Welterweight Title Shot Race
Both Prates and Michael Morales have proven their might in the division to become the two top names in the current welterweight title scenario. Even Makhachev accepted both of them as viable opponents for his next fight after defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. However, Prates appeared in a recent livestream of N3on, where he revealed that he had already secured the spot as Makhachev's next opponent.
Replying to N3on's question about his next opponent, Prates said, "Islam Makhachev," and assured that the fight was "locked in."
Anik delved into a discussion about Prates' revelation in a recent video on the ANIK BROS. YouTube channel, clarifying that he had no update on whether the fight had been confirmed. Still, the UFC play-by-play commentator opined that Prates was ahead of Morales in the title shot race, and said he wouldn't be surprised if the Brazilian's revelation comes to life.
Anik mentioned, "I'm the last source you should go to. But I think we can all agree as MMA fans that it's a two-man race, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. Morales weighed in as the backup , but sometimes that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I think Carlos Prates seemingly is next."
Who’s next at 170?
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) September 26, 2026
Check out the new episode on the Anik Bros. YouTube with @bostonanik and hit subscribe! pic.twitter.com/THzPPoRBPG
Anik's opinion looks completely justified considering the recent record of the two welterweights in the discussion. Both Prates and Morales have won their last three fights, but Prates achieved victories over two former champions in them, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena, while Morales has none.
Morales does pack an edge over Prates due to his undefeated record. However, the stature of opponents Prates has defeated in the recent past is expected to put him above his competitor in this race, just as Anik viewed it. But the UFC commentator's ignorance about the confirmation of the Makhachev vs. Prates encounter suggests that fans will have to wait for an official confirmation from Dana White and Co. to check whether 'The Nightmare's' revelation comes to life.
