Javier Mendez Rates Carlos Prates Ahead of Possible Makhachev Fight

A title fight between Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates is not booked yet, but the champion's longtime coach has already discussed the possible challenger. Javier Mendez of American Kickboxing Academy spoke at length about Prates and praised his striking.

Over the past twelve months Prates has moved into the title picture at 170 pounds, and a fight with Makhachev has been discussed, possibly for the first numbered UFC event of the new year.

"He looked amazing"

Mendez singled out Prates' performance against Jack Della Maddalena and praised his precision. He said Prates has to be the most explosive and accurate striker among the welterweights, that his confidence is soaring, and that he appears to have worked on his grappling defense in anticipation of facing Makhachev. Mendez also pointed to Prates' knees and his use of range, which he called very good.

Mendez also compared Prates' style outside the cage to former boxer Ricardo Mayorga, who was famous for smoking after fights, and said he was not sure whether that image is the real Prates or not. Either way, Mendez called him a beast and stressed that the camp cannot afford to underestimate him. "No way Islam will underestimate anybody."

A warning about Islam's hands

Mendez said wrestling may be one of Prates' weaker areas, but stressed that it is not actually weak, and that his jiu-jitsu is top notch. That means the champion's team has to be ready for anything rather than relying only on takedowns. He drew a contrast with Khabib Nurmagomedov, whom he described as impossible to beat on the ground while his stand-up kept improving, and argued that Makhachev's striking has been strong for a long time. He told anyone picking against the champion on the feet not to sleep on Islam's stand-up.