Carlos Prates Targets Jack Della Maddalena or Michael Morales as UFC Weighs Usman for Makhachev’s First Defense
The rising contender cites an unconfirmed title pledge tied to a first-round finish and says the UFC nixed a December grappling bout.
Overview
- Prates says he wants a title shot but expects Kamaru Usman to be Islam Makhachev’s next opponent, with no challenger officially named.
- He publicly called for Jack Della Maddalena or Michael Morales next and floated April in Las Vegas for a potential bout with Della Maddalena.
- Prates claims Dana White told him he would get the next shot if he stopped Leon Edwards in the first round, a promise not verified by the promotion.
- He says the UFC denied him permission to compete in a December 30 grappling match against Arman Tsarukyan.
- Makhachev has voiced preference for Usman, as a crowded welterweight field that includes Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, Belal Muhammad and Morales leaves matchmaking unsettled, with Morales open to facing Prates before a title bid.