Islam Makhachev Has Successful ‘Hate Watch’ at UFC Paris as Fighting Nerds Stars Taste Defeat 

At UFC Paris media day, he insulted grappling-heavy fighters, saying, “Train Sambo if you want to put on boring fights.” Ruffy claimed Makhachev was not invincible, describing tactics such as surviving early wrestling, escalating offense later, and breaking the champion’s rhythm. However, all that hype didn’t work, and Makhachev made sure to remind Ruffy to speak less and train more. 

Apart from that, in the main event, Borralho went against Nassourdine Imavov for a much-anticipated middleweight clash. Across five rounds, Imavov outlanded his opponent in significant strikes, and convincingly won a unanimous decision in front of the French fans. Makhachev publicly showed his support for the Frenchman on X, congratulating Imavov after his impressive UFC Paris victory.

Islam Makhachev can potentially fight a member of the Fighting Nerds 

Islam Makhachev is scheduled to fight Jack Della Maddalena in one of the biggest UFC title fights of 2025. The highly anticipated bout will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, with the welterweight championship on the line. Going into the fight, the Dagestani remains the betting favorite due to his dominant wrestling and impressive undefeated run.

However, Makhachev and his team fully acknowledge JDM’s dangerous striking arsenal and are strategically preparing for every single potential threat. On the same card, Fighting Nerds’ standout Carlos Prates is scheduled to face former welterweight champion Leon Edwards in a pivotal clash.

In a recent interview, Prates confidently discussed winning his fight and potentially securing a UFC welterweight title opportunity.

I think that’s the name I need right now, for me to get in line. If I beat Leon Edwards in spectacular fashion. If I’ll beat him in an entertaining way. I will get first in the line for the title shot. Because I will fight on the same day as the title fight. So, if I win, I can go and do a face off with the winner.

Carlos Prates via YouTube 

If both Prates and Makhachev win their respective bouts, a storyline featuring a potential faceoff between them would be incredible. However, the welterweight division remains stacked with multiple hungry contenders, who are currently ranked much higher than Prates in the standings.

Some of the big names on his list consist of Sean Brady, Ian Garry, Kamaru Usman, and Belal Muhammad. All of them are currently busy getting the title shot and making their case. On the other hand, rumors suggest the Dagestani star may return to lightweight to finally settle his heated rivalry with Ilia Topuria.