Next up? Islam Makhachev names most deserving title challenger

Islam Makhachev identified Carlos Prates as his preferred next challenger after retaining the UFC welterweight title at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Speaking on the Paramount+ post-fight show, Makhachev said Prates is "still fighting, still active" and more deserving than Shavkat Rakhmonov or Michael Morales. The UFC 330 win over Ian Garry marked his first welterweight title defense. Rakhmonov has been sidelined with injuries since December 2024, while Morales has not been as active as Prates. Morales and Rakhmonov are unbeaten; Prates is 24-7 with his last loss to Garry in April 2025. Prates has since recorded finishes over Geoff Neal and two former champs, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.