Carlos Prates Mocks Islam Makhachev By Using Champion's Own Famous Words Against Him

Welterweight contender Carlos Prates called out Islam Makhachev on social media, using Makhachev's famous UFC Performance Institute wall quote about never turning down fights against him.

The public jab arrived shortly after plans collapsed for their scheduled welterweight title clash.

Both fighters had been slated to headline UFC 336 in Toronto, Canada.

That pay-per-view card is officially scheduled for January 30, 2027.

UFC CEO Dana White revealed that Makhachev had already given his word to step into the Octagon against Prates.

According to White, Makhachev verbally agreed to the championship booking before changing his stance.

The Russian champion ultimately opted to withdraw from the January event.

That abrupt withdrawal left Prates without the undisputed title fight he had been preparing to accept.

Prates decided to voice his irritation by turning Makhachev's own philosophy back on him.

THE PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE QUOTE

The Brazilian contender took aim at a famous statement that adorns the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas.

The high-tech facility serves as the premier training and recovery hub for UFC athletes from across the globe.

Prominently displayed on the wall is an inspirational quote attributed directly to Makhachev.

“What does this title represent? It means you are the best in the world,” the inscription reads.

“And if you are the best in the world, it doesn’t matter who is going to be there across from you."

"What could I say? No? NEVER. Let’s do this!”

Makhachev originally made that declaration in October 2023.

At the time, former featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski agreed to replace Charles Oliveira on short notice at UFC 294.

Makhachev did not hesitate to accept the late-notice replacement opponent in Abu Dhabi.

The quote quickly became a defining pillar of the Dagestani fighter's public persona.

Makhachev later reiterated those exact words on social media during another chaotic fight week.

When Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from UFC 311 due to injury, Renato Moicano stepped in on weigh-in day.

Makhachev shared his famous quote again to emphasize his willingness to face whoever stepped into the cage.

Prates remembered those bold statements when Makhachev passed on their agreed Toronto meeting.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA DIG

Prates posted a screenshot of the Las Vegas wall quote directly to his Instagram Story.

He tagged the welterweight champion on the post for all his followers to see.

Prates accompanied the image with a lying-face emoji.

To drive the point home, he set the background music to the track ‘Don’t Lie’ by The Black Eyed Peas.

The post clearly implied that Makhachev failed to live up to the standard he set for himself.

Prates did not stop with social media mockery.

In an interview with reporter Laerte Viana, the Brazilian contender voiced his frustration regarding the champion's actions.

“He comes out saying he wants to be an active champion, this and that,” Prates told Viana.

Prates added that top UFC executive Hunter Campbell had previously told him the fight date was locked in.

"Hunter even said that date was reserved for him," Prates stated.

"Then he just came out and said he didn't want it."

Prates went a step further in his criticism of the champion's refusal.

"He chickened out," Prates claimed.

DANA WHITE CONFIRMS THE VERBAL DEAL

Dana White addressed the situation publicly during a media scrum on Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas.

White had gathered with reporters to promote his PBR bull named "Dana White's Playmate."

The UFC boss confirmed that a deal for the Toronto card had been nearly completed.

"Yeah, it was verbally agreed to," White said, as reported by MMA Junkie.

White explained that bout agreements were in motion before the fight fell apart.

The promoter did not hide his disappointment over the champion's decision.

"Being the champ, I don't really expect you to fight three times a year," White added.

"But twice would be nice."

Reporters pressed White on why certain reigning champions end up competing less frequently once they capture gold.

White offered a blunt financial explanation for the sudden drop in activity.

“I think it’s money; I mean, once you get so much money," White said.

"When guys are young and hungry, they want to fight a lot because they want to get paid."

"But once you start to get enough money, you don’t have to fight all the time," White concluded.

THE REASON BEHIND THE DELAY

Reports indicate that Makhachev's current calendar played a significant role in his decision to pass on January 30.

Makhachev has decided to wait until after the holy month of Ramadan before making his return to competition.

Ramadan involves daily fasting from dawn to sunset, which significantly impacts rigorous training camps and weight cuts.

Makhachev's decision has nevertheless frustrated fans and promotional officials who expected a January title defense.

There have also been reports of contract friction emerging between UFC executives and the champion's camp.

Former title challenger Colby Covington even claimed Makhachev could use retirement as a negotiation tactic.

Makhachev had previously suggested that top contenders ought to face one another before earning a shot at his belt.

The 35-year-old champion argued that the division needed an undisputed number-one challenger.

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