“They’re The Same”: Carlos Prates Says Khabib Nurmagomedov And Islam Makhachev Pick Fights On Their Own Terms | MMA

Carlos Prates has widened his criticism of Islam Makhachev by comparing the welterweight champion’s approach to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s. The Brazilian believes both fighters have chosen their opponents and dates too carefully, leaving contenders waiting for opportunities. He was expected to challenge Makhachev at UFC 336 on January 30. But Makhachev withdrew from the planned title defence because he wants to wait until after Ramadan. It left Prates to fight Michael Morales for the interim welterweight title. The ‘Nightmare’ says the UFC should not allow champions to control the division’s timeline. He believes the interim-title fight will decide who truly deserves a shot at Makhachev.

Prates is frustrated by the delay

“I think Khabib and Islam, they’re the same,” Prates told Squawka. “They book fights when they want, when they feel really good. Of course, it’s OK; they are the champs. When Khabib was champ, he did the same.”

Prates said he does not agree with the way Makhachev and Khabib have managed their careers. He believes champions should stay active rather than fight once a year and leave the division waiting.

“He should vacate his belt, not now. It’s OK. We’re going to fight for the interim belt,” Prates said.

Is Makhachev repeating Khabib’s approach to UFC title defences?

Khabib retired in 2020 with a 29-0 record. His final fight was a title defence against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, which came 13 months after he beat Dustin Poirier.

Khabib’s fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 229 had come 11 months earlier. His low activity rate became part of the debate around how champions manage their careers.

Prates believes Makhachev is following the same pattern. He argues that a champion should defend the belt more regularly rather than wait for the perfect opponent or date.

UFC Boss wants champions to stay more active

Dana White has also criticised Makhachev’s decision to delay his return. White said he understands that champions do not need to fight three times a year but believes two appearances would be better.

“What it does is it starts to back up the division,” White said. “There are lots of guys who would like a shot at the title.”

Makhachev has defended his stance, saying Prates and Morales should settle who deserves the title shot. He has also hinted that his next fight could be one of the last of his career.

Prates has promised to knock out Morales and then retire Makhachev. The Brazilian believes the interim-title fight will prove who deserves to face the champion next.