Morning Report | Carlos Prates wants welterweight title, then have superfight against Ilia Topuria: ‘Let’s dance!’

Carlos Prates has thrown his name into the hat for a welterweight title shot, but his ambitions extend beyond that. The Brazilian contender has openly stated his desire for a superfight with current featherweight king Ilia Topuria, drawing a parallel to Islam Makhachev's career trajectory. Prates explicitly mentioned wanting to take what Makhachev built, indicating a desire to achieve a similar level of multi-divisional dominance. This call-out suggests Prates is confident in his abilities to challenge the elite across different weight classes.

Prates is a notable force in the welterweight division, known for his aggressive striking and finishing ability. He has steadily climbed the ranks, facing and defeating tough opposition. His recent performances have positioned him as a legitimate contender, making his claims for a title shot and a superfight more than just idle boasts. The mention of Makhachev is significant, as the Dagestani fighter has held lightweight and recently challenged for middleweight, showcasing a rare feat of multi-divisional success.

This move by Prates could shake up the welterweight landscape, potentially forcing the hand of matchmakers if he continues his winning ways. A superfight with Topuria, should both men hold titles in their respective divisions, would be a massive draw. For Australian fight fans, Prates' call-out of Topuria, who has a history with Australian fighters like Alexander Volkanovski, adds an interesting narrative thread. While Prates himself is not from Perth, his stated ambition to conquer divisions echoes the kind of legacy fighters like George Miller and Robert Whittaker have built within Australian MMA.

Fans will be watching to see if Prates can secure the welterweight title opportunity and if the superfight with Topuria materialises. His stated goal of emulating Makhachev's success sets a high bar, and his next few fights will be crucial in determining if he can reach that lofty ambition.