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Makhachev Mimics Khabib's Fight Wait Strategy
7 Nov
Summary
- Carlos Prates criticizes Islam Makhachev's fight selection and timing.
- Makhachev withdrew from UFC 336, delaying his title defense post-Ramadan.
- Prates believes champions should defend belts more frequently.
Carlos Prates has voiced strong criticism of UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, accusing him of adopting a similar fight selection strategy as Khabib Nurmagomedov. Prates believes that champions should prioritize activity over waiting for opportune moments or opponents, a practice he feels hinders division progression.
Makhachev's decision to withdraw from a planned title defense at UFC 336 on January 30, waiting until after Ramadan, has frustrated contenders. This has led to an interim title bout between Prates and Michael Morales, with Prates asserting that this fight will definitively establish who deserves the next shot at the undisputed champion.
Prates argues that both Nurmagomedov and Makhachev have controlled their fight schedules, booking bouts only when they felt fully prepared. He suggested that champions should defend their belts more regularly, rather than engaging in lengthy waits, a pattern he observed in Nurmagomedov's career with significant gaps between his title defenses.
UFC President Dana White also expressed concerns about champions delaying fights, noting that it causes the division to stagnate and leaves many deserving fighters waiting for opportunities. Makhachev, however, has indicated that he wants Prates and Morales to settle the contention for his next opponent, hinting that his future in the sport may be limited.
