Welterweight contender Carlos Prates fires back at manager Ali Abdelaziz, promising to end the dominant champion's legendary run.
Rising UFC welterweight contender Carlos Prates has issued a fierce warning to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, vowing to dismantle his legendary career in the sport of mixed martial arts.
The war of words erupted after Dominance MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz defended Makhachev on X, criticizing other fighters for demanding title bouts without adding to the champion's storied legacy, according to information published by bjpenn.
Prates was originally expecting to challenge Makhachev for the 170-pound gold at the UFC 336 headliner on January 30, 2027, in Toronto, but will now compete for an interim title against Michael Morales instead.
The War of Words Over UFC Title Fights
The controversy began when Ali Abdelaziz defended Makhachev after the champion declined a late January title defense while waiting to return after Ramadan. Abdelaziz stated on social media that Makhachev is the greatest fighter of this generation and fights for passion rather than catering to contenders who do not add to his legacy.
Carlos Prates quickly fired back at the prominent manager, arguing that a true champion motivated by passion would face the number one contender in January. Prates boldly declared that instead of adding to Makhachev, he would completely finish his legacy inside the Octagon.
Carlos Prates and Michael Morales Collide at UFC 336
As the MMA world looks ahead to the upcoming pay-per-view card, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are preparing for a high-stakes showdown at 170 pounds. The division features some of the most dangerous strikers and grapplers on the global roster.
Prates enters the matchup riding an impressive three-fight winning streak, which includes spectacular finishes over two former UFC champions. Meanwhile, Morales remains undefeated in his professional career, with his biggest victory coming against Sean Brady back in November 2025.
Ali Abdelaziz Defends Islam Makhachev Status
The role of management in modern combat sports often sparks intense debates among fans and athletes alike. Ali Abdelaziz remains one of the most influential managers in MMA, frequently defending his stable of fighters from external criticism.
By highlighting Makhachev's status as a generational talent, Abdelaziz aimed to silence critics questioning the timeline of the champion's next title defense. However, ambitious contenders like Carlos Prates continue to use those statements as fuel for future matchups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Carlos Prates fighting at UFC 336?
Carlos Prates is scheduled to fight fellow top contender Michael Morales for the interim welterweight title at UFC 336 in Toronto.
Why did Carlos Prates criticize Islam Makhachev and Ali Abdelaziz?
Prates responded to Ali Abdelaziz after the manager defended Islam Makhachev for declining a late January title fight, leading Prates to vow that he will finish Makhachev's legacy.
What is Carlos Prates current winning streak in the UFC?
Carlos Prates holds a three-fight winning streak in the organization, having scored finishes over two former UFC champions during this run.
Who did Michael Morales defeat in his biggest UFC win?
Michael Morales secured his biggest win to date against Sean Brady in November 2025 before moving on to his upcoming bout at UFC 336.
