OMM Newsroom
UFC fighter Carlos Prates has criticized Islam Makhachev for fighting infrequently, saying the champion should relinquish his title if he is not ready to return to the Octagon in June. MMA Junkie reported Prates’ comments.
Prates is scheduled to face Michael Morales in a welterweight interim title bout in Toronto on January 31. He said Makhachev had similarly scheduled fights at times that suited him when Khabib Nurmagomedov was champion. In Prates’ view, waiting for a long time to fight once a year is not the right approach.
Prates also commented on Makhachev’s remarks about ending his career. He said Makhachev may want to spend time with his family and care for his loved ones if he has earned enough money. Prates described this as a reasonable choice for an athlete.
Prates said he was not calling for the belt to be vacated immediately, but that they were planning a fight in June, after Ramadan, or around that time. He said Makhachev should end his career if he says, “I’m not ready.” Prates said he believes he will beat and knock out Morales, and would then welcome the opportunity to fight Makhachev.
