Carlos Prates Aims for Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev in NYC

Carlos Prates is targeting a title fight against Islam Makhachev in New York City this November at UFC 334.

The welterweight contender expressed his desire for the matchup on Instagram, sharing an image of Makhachev and captioning it with '#andnew.' Makhachev, who won the welterweight title earlier this year at Madison Square Garden, recently defended his belt against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

Makhachev has indicated a preference to face Prates over Michael Morales, citing Morales's inactivity since his last fight in November 2025. Both fighters were present at UFC 330, and many believe Prates is the frontrunner for the next title shot. Makhachev plans to fight again before Ramadan, making the proposed November date feasible.