Carlos Prates issues warning to Michael Morales: ‘I will knock you out really fast’ after winning UFC title

Carlos Prates has set his sights on UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and issued a direct challenge to undefeated contender Michael Morales, warning him of a swift knockout should they ever meet in the octagon.

Prates, a knockout artist on a three-fight UFC winning streak, wants to be next in line for a title shot at Makhachev, who successfully defended his 170-pound belt against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia last weekend. Rather than face Morales first to determine the official contender, Prates has made clear he will fight the Brazilian if the UFC books the matchup—but only after he secures the championship.

"If the guy has two arms, two legs, one dick like me, bro, I can fight him," Prates told Champions Collection, responding to claims that Morales feared him. "I'm No. 1 contender, so I wanna fight for the belt. If they offer me [the fight against you], of course I would knock you out really fast. First round."

Prates claimed Morales later replied to a video message saying he was ready to fight, prompting the Brazilian to issue a final warning in Spanish: "After I get my belt, I'll knock you out."

The 29-year-old has maintained a perfect knockout record in the UFC, with recent victories over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards, and Jack Della Maddalena—earning him bonuses with each stoppage. Morales, meanwhile, has won seven straight under the UFC banner, with stoppages of Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady among his most recent successes. Makhachev's suggestion that the two contenders face off to settle the matter appears to have been rejected by Prates, who prefers to pursue the championship directly.