Carlos Prates Gives Islam Makhachev an Ultimatum While Refusing to Quit Smoking for UFC Gold
Carlos Prates has his priorities set. In a recent interview, Prates gave Islam Makhachev a deadline to fight him or vacate the welterweight title, before admitting he “won’t quit smoking even for a UFC title shot.”
The Brazilian knockout artist was going to challenge 170-pound titleholder Makhachev at UFC 336, and the latter had even verbally agreed to fight “The Nightmare” on Jan. 30. However, Makhachev later changed his plans.
He now wants Prates to beat Michael Morales at UFC 336 and become an interim kingpin, after which the Russian phenom will face the 33-year-old in a title-unification clash.
During an exclusive sitdown with Squawka, Carlos Prates, who is clearly unhappy with Islam Makhachev after the latter refused to fight him in January, said the champion should retire if he isn’t ready to fight by June 2027. Prates quipped:
“He should vacate his belt. Not now, it’s okay, we’re gonna fight for the interim belt. But after that, after Ramadan, we’re planning to fight in June or something like that, and if he says, Oh, I’m not ready, come on, stop, time to retire. Is June the deadline? Yeah.”
Carlos Prates Refuses to Give Up Smoking Even for a UFC Title Shot
Carlos Prates is known for his knockout power, partying lifestyle, and love for cigarettes. However, his smoking has raised questions about whether it could affect his cardio inside the octagon. The Brazilian, however, revealed during the same interview that his coaches have no problem with his smoking habit. He added:
“I won’t quit smoking even for a UFC title shot. I’m the first in the gym and the last to leave. No. My coaches don’t say anything because I’ve smoked for a long time, so what are they gonna say? I just need to train more than everybody. That’s what I do. I’m the first guy to come to the gym and the last guy to leave the gym. That’s what I do.”
Check out the post below: