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Islam Makhachev only accepts fights under right circumstances, claims Carlos Prates: “When Khabib was champ, he did the same thing”

Carlos Prates thinks Islam Makhachev is taking a page out of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s playbook when it comes to turning down fights.

By Fernando Quiles Jr · BJ Penn

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 7:43 PM

Key Things to Know

Carlos Prates claimed Islam Makhachev only accepts fights when conditions are entirely in his favor.
Prates will face Michael Morales for the interim welterweight championship instead of fighting Makhachev at UFC 336.
Prates compared Makhachev's scheduling habits to Khabib Nurmagomedov and called for a June return deadline.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Carlos Prates claimed that UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev only accepts fights when circumstances are completely in his favor, drawing comparisons to former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Prates expected to face Makhachev at UFC 336, but was instead booked against Michael Morales for an interim title after Makhachev walked away from negotiations. Makhachev previously stated his next bout would be one of the final fights of his career.

Prates stated that champions waiting too long to fight is bad for MMA and suggested Makhachev should vacate the belt if he is not ready by June. Prates' manager also claimed that UFC matchmakers were frustrated with Makhachev for ditching the planned UFC 336 headliner.

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