Carlos Prates has candidly acknowledged that he anticipates getting "smashed" by Islam Makhachev during their potential clash for the UFC welterweight title. However, he remains confident that he will ultimately deliver a knockout blow to the reigning champion.

Prates, boasting a 7-1 record in the UFC with all wins coming via knockout, is considered the frontrunner to challenge Makhachev next. His impressive knockout victories include notable former champions such as Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards.

Makhachev, who last fought in August against Ian Machado Garry, solidified his position as the UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter with a decisive victory. Despite this, Prates draws inspiration from past fights, likening his expected outcome to Anderson Silva’s comeback against Chael Sonnen.

Prates stated:

I think I’m going to start by getting smashed, and the first time I manage to get back to my feet and start hurting him, I’m going to knock him out – somewhere around the fourth or fifth round.

He expressed increased confidence after watching Garry defend against Makhachev, believing he can replicate similar defensive strategies.

Prates last showcased his skills in May, where he stopped Della Maddalena in the third round, following a knockout of Edwards six months prior. Alongside Michael Morales, Prates is viewed as a leading candidate for Makhachev’s next title defense, as he aims for a second defense of the welterweight belt, which he claimed in November after dominating Della Maddalena. Makhachev had previously relinquished the lightweight title after a record-breaking four successful defenses.