Next up? Islam Makhachev names most deserving title challenger

Islam
Makhachev has named the ideal next challenger for his
Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title.

Makhachev retained his belt with a hard-fought victory over
Ian
Garry at UFC
330 in Philadelphia. The Russian revealed that Carlos
Prates is the preferred next opponent after recording his first
title defense at welterweight.

Islam Makhachev backs Carlos Prates for next UFC welterweight
title shot

Prates and Michael
Morales, who were both in attendance at UFC 330, are in the
running for the next title shot, with Makhachev believing the
Brazilian currently has the stronger case. He dismissed Shavkat
Rakhmonov, who’s been sidelined with injuries since December
2024, and Morales, who hasn’t been as active as Prates.

“If you ask me today, Shavkat [Rakhmonov] is not fighting; Prates
is still fighting, still active,” Makhachev said during the
Paramount+ post-fight show. “Morales also is good, but I don’t
remember the last time he fought. If you ask who is more deserving,
I think Carlos Prates.”

Morales and Rakhmonov are both unbeaten, while Prates holds a
record of 24-7. The latter’s last loss came against Garry in April
2025, but he has remained active since then, picking up finishes
against Geoff Neal
and two former champs: Leon
Edwards and Jack
Della Maddalena.