The UFC welterweight champion is not short of potential challengers.
Islam Makhachev will make his first title defense at 170 pounds in August, having become the eleventh two-division champ in UFC history eight months ago.
In pursuit of adding a welterweight defense to his already illustrious résumé, Makhachev will fight Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330.
If he gets past ‘The Future’, the Dagestani has two leading options for his second defense, and coach Javier Mendez sees one as a much tougher test.
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Javier Mendez picks Carlos Prates as Islam Makhachev’s biggest threat after UFC 330
Michael Morales will be the UFC 330 backup fighter, if his recent comments are to be believed.
Despite that signifying the Ecuadorian’s strong position in the welterweight title picture, Makhachev’s coach does not see the undefeated contender as the champ’s biggest threat.
During a recent interview with GiveMeSport, coach Mendez pointed to the surging Carlos Prates as the man likely to give Makhachev his toughest test at 170 pounds.
“The next one I’m gonna have to say is probably Carlos Prates,” Mendez said.
“He is the more skillful of the two (Morales and Prates). Morales is stronger and probably hungrier, but he’s more reckless, so we just have to watch out for the haymakers with him.
“But Prates would be the next more dangerous guy,” he continued. “I feel he is more polished with his striking ability and using his height right. He may not have the striking edge or the grappling edge, but he is strong. He’s very strong.
“So, that’s where you have to be careful with a young lion like him. These guys are formidable, very formidable.”
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Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
Prates demolished Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth in May, making it three wins in a row since his first loss inside the Octagon against Garry.
Despite seeing the Brazilian as a difficult assignment, Mendez is confident Makhachev would get through him and every other contender in the welterweight division.
“I believe Islam will get through all those guys, and I think he looks forward to showing who’s the king, and he’s going to maintain…
2026-07-29 22:00:00
