Carlos Prates confident he knocks out Islam Makhachev after getting ‘smashed’ early

Carlos Prates is angling for a title shot against UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, expressing confidence he can dethrone the dominant titleholder despite expecting a grueling battle.

The Brazilian knockout artist, currently in negotiations with the UFC for a bout with Makhachev, outlined his vision for the matchup during an interview with veteran Gilbert Burns. Prates suggested UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas would be the ideal venue, though he acknowledged that a January event in Australia remains under discussion. Makhachev recently defended his title against Ian Machado Garry earlier this month.

Prates invoked Anderson Silva's legendary second victory over Chael Sonnen from 2012, predicting a similar arc to his potential clash with Makhachev. He expects to face early adversity—potentially finding himself mounted or controlled in the opening round—before mounting a comeback and securing a knockout in the fourth or fifth round. "I think I'm going to start by getting smashed, and the first time I manage to get back to my feet and start hurting him, I'm going to knock him out somewhere around the fourth or fifth round," Prates explained.

Prates has impressed in the UFC with consecutive knockout victories over former champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards. His sole setback came via decision loss to Garry in April 2025—a fight that paradoxically bolstered his confidence for a Makhachev showdown. Observing Garry's grappling exchanges with the champion, Prates identified defensive patterns he frequently employs himself, particularly his back-control technique against the cage when standing. He believes these similarities give him the tools to escape Makhachev's ground pressure and capitalize on opportunities to strike. "I think this guy is going to be in trouble," Prates declared. "When I get my hands on him… I'm very confident that I'm going to bring that belt home."