Overview
- This week Colby Covington told Ariel Helwani he expects Islam Makhachev to take Carlos Prates down and submit him, calling it the easiest fight of Makhachev’s career.
- Covington named possible submissions such as a kimura or head-and-arm choke and publicly criticized Prates’ conditioning, saying the Brazilian should quit smoking to improve late-fight stamina.
- The matchup remains unconfirmed by the UFC despite widespread linking of Prates as the leading contender and public statements from fighters and commentators.
- Reporting places a likely target for the bout in January 2027 so Makhachev can fight before Ramadan, because the promotion’s 2026 calendar is largely set and February fasting would complicate a training camp.
- Context: Makhachev is the reigning welterweight champion who defended at UFC 330 and Prates has momentum from recent knockout wins, while other contenders such as Michael Morales are seen as less predictable due to untested takedown defense.