TLDR
- Islam Makhachev broke Anderson Silva’s UFC record with 17 consecutive wins at UFC 330
- Champion says Carlos Prates deserves next title shot over Michael Morales due to activity level
- Morales hasn’t fought since November 2025 knockout win over Sean Brady
- Makhachev stated ‘I don’t remember when he fight’ when discussing Morales
- Both Morales and Prates attended UFC 330 in Philadelphia as potential next challengers
Sources: bjpenn.com | mmamania.com
Islam Makhachev made history at UFC 330 in Philadelphia this past Saturday, but he’s already making it clear who he doesn’t want to fight next. The welterweight champion broke Anderson Silva’s record with his 17th consecutive UFC win after defeating Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision.
Now the question is who gets the next shot at the pound-for-pound king. Two names have emerged as top contenders: Michael Morales and Carlos Prates.
Makhachev addressed the situation during the Paramount+ post-fight show and made his preference crystal clear. He believes Prates has done more to earn a title shot than Morales.
Champion Questions Morales’ Inactivity
“Honestly, if you ask me today, Shavkat [Rakhmonov] is not fighting,” Makhachev said. “[Carlos] Prates still fighting, still active. Maybe Prates because Morales also is good, but Morales fight I don’t know last time.”
The champion continued his criticism of Morales’ schedule. “I don’t remember when he fight, you know? If you ask who’s the most deserving guy, I think Carlos Prates.”
😂🏆 Carlos Prates tells Michael Morales he needs 10 months to cut weight, so Carlos should be the one to get the title shot against Makhachev first.
“Bro, 10 months is a good amount of time to cut weight. I know you, bro, you cut a lot.”
Morales seems to agree.
🎥 @mmacrash pic.twitter.com/YrcwDunDNl
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) August 16, 2026
Morales has not fought since November 2025 when he scored a first-round TKO victory over Sean Brady. That win came nine months ago, which appears to be too long of a layoff for Makhachev’s liking.
The 19-0 Ecuadorian fighter was in attendance at UFC 330 and even served as the backup fighter for the main event. He had a backstage encounter with Garry that remained respectful despite some verbal exchanges.
Makhachev had expressed similar concerns earlier during UFC 330 media day. “He’s a good contender—one of the contenders, for sure,” Makhachev told reporters. “Just one thing I don’t understand is why he don’t fight.”
The champion emphasized that being active matters more than just being ready to step in. “He has to deserve [a title fight] because Prates is still active and fighting,” Makhachev said.
Prates Has Momentum on His Side
Prates presents a different case than Morales when it comes to recent activity and quality of competition. The Brazilian fighter has knocked out former champions in back-to-back fights, giving him a stronger resume at the top level.
Morales holds seven UFC wins but has never faced a former champion. His biggest victory remains the Sean Brady stoppage from last November.
Both Morales and Prates were cage-side at UFC 330, making their presence known to the champion. If Prates gets the next title shot, it could open the door for Morales to face another top contender like Garry.
Makhachev’s victory over Garry was far from easy despite the unanimous decision scorecards. The champion was in control for most of the fight but faced challenges from the Irish striker.
The new record holder now sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings with 17 straight UFC victories. UFC President Dana White questioned whether anyone will ever break the new record.
Morales last fought in November 2025 with his first-round knockout of Brady, leaving him inactive for nine months heading into the potential title shot discussion.
