Prates Targets Makhachev NYC Showdown In November

Carlos Prates wants Islam Makhachev in New York City this November.

The welterweight contender took to Instagram to push for a title shot at UFC 334 on Nov. 14, posting an image with Makhachev tagged and the caption "#andnew," according to a report from BJPenn.com. Makhachev won the 170-pound belt at Madison Square Garden when he stopped Jack Della Maddalena earlier this year, adding a second divisional crown to his lightweight title reign. He defended the welterweight strap at UFC 330 in Philadelphia last weekend, taking a unanimous decision over Ian Machado Garry.

Makhachev Prefers Prates Over Morales

Makhachev has said publicly he would rather face Prates than Michael Morales in his next defence, citing Morales's lack of recent activity. Morales last fought in Nov. 2025, stopping Sean Brady in the first round on the same card Makhachev captured welterweight gold. Both Prates and Morales attended UFC 330 cageside, and most observers believe Prates has the edge for the next title shot. Injuries or other circumstances could shift the matchmaking, but the Brazilian remains the favourite to land the opportunity.

Makhachev told reporters he plans to fight once more before Ramadan, which would put his next bout no later than Jan. 2027. The November timeline Prates proposed falls comfortably within that window. Whether the UFC books Madison Square Garden again for the pound-for-pound king remains to be seen, but Makhachev's history with the venue makes it a logical landing spot.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Carlos Prates targets NYC showdown with Islam Makhachev in November: “And New”